
Diffraction - Wikipedia
Diffraction is the deviation of waves from straight-line propagation due to an obstacle or through an aperture, without any change in their energy.
Diffraction | Definition, Examples, Types, & Facts | Britannica
Mar 7, 2026 · Diffraction, the spreading of waves around obstacles. Diffraction takes place with sound; with electromagnetic radiation, such as light, X-rays, and gamma rays; and with very small moving …
Diffraction: Definition, Physics, Equation, and Formula
Nov 17, 2022 · Diffraction is the bending or spreading of light waves around an obstacle. The obstacle can be an aperture or slit whose size is approximately the same as the wavelength of light.
17.1 Understanding Diffraction and Interference - OpenStax
The bending of a wave around the edges of an opening or an obstacle is called diffraction. Diffraction is a wave characteristic that occurs for all types of waves. If diffraction is observed for a phenomenon, it …
What Is Diffraction? Definition, Types & Examples - ScienceInsights
Mar 10, 2026 · Diffraction is how waves bend around obstacles and openings. Learn how it works, how it differs from refraction, and where it shows up in everyday life.
26.2: Diffraction - Physics LibreTexts
As we explained in the previous paragraph, diffraction is defined as the bending of a wave around the edges of an opening or an obstacle. The double-slit experiment, also called Young’s experiment, …
Diffraction of light - GeeksforGeeks
Jul 23, 2025 · Diffraction describes a specialized case of light scattering in which an object with regularly repeating features (such as a diffraction grating) produces an orderly diffraction of light in a diffraction …
What Is Diffraction? The Physics of Spreading Waves
May 27, 2025 · Diffraction is the phenomenon where waves bend, spread, or interfere when they encounter an obstacle or pass through a narrow opening. The effect is subtle yet profound.
Diffraction Explained | Wave, Interference & Patterns
May 28, 2024 · Diffraction is a fundamental concept in the study of waves and optics that describes how waves bend around obstacles and spread out as they pass through narrow openings. It is a …
Diffraction - HyperPhysics
Diffraction manifests itself in the apparent bending of waves around small obstacles and the spreading out of waves past small openings. Diffraction reveals the geometry of the diffracting object.