Any wave which isn't infinite in size diffracts, like water waves or elastic waves. For example, think about water waves after a breakwater: <br> Right after the breakwater there is a region where there is a wave and areas where there isn't. On the boundary between these two, some water molecules are part of the wave and rise up, and some don't and stay still. The molecules attract each other and some of the energy in the wave spreads to the surrounding molecules, so the wave appears to diffract. This phenomenon is described in the solutions of the wave equation, so every wave that satisfies the equation will diffract by the same principle e.g. electromagnetic radiation, i.e. light.

Trystan Castaneda

Trystan Castaneda

Answered question

2022-08-12

Why light differaction occurs on passing small holes?

Answer & Explanation

Barbara Klein

Barbara Klein

Beginner2022-08-13Added 19 answers

Any wave which isn't infinite in size diffracts, like water waves or elastic waves. For example, think about water waves after a breakwater:
Right after the breakwater there is a region where there is a wave and areas where there isn't. On the boundary between these two, some water molecules are part of the wave and rise up, and some don't and stay still. The molecules attract each other and some of the energy in the wave spreads to the surrounding molecules, so the wave appears to diffract. This phenomenon is described in the solutions of the wave equation, so every wave that satisfies the equation will diffract by the same principle e.g. electromagnetic radiation, i.e. light.

Do you have a similar question?

Recalculate according to your conditions!

New Questions in Light and Optics

Ask your question.
Get an expert answer.

Let our experts help you. Answer in as fast as 15 minutes.

Didn't find what you were looking for?