Phenomena of Wave - Diffraction

Diffraction

Diffraction is the spreading of a wave when it travels through an opening or a small obstacle.

Charecteristic of Diffraction

1. Wavelength does not change.
2. Frequency does not change.
3. Speed of diffracted does not change.
4. The amplitude of the wave decreases after diffraction.

Diffraction happen when waves encounter an obstacle

• Waves spread to a wider area after passing the obstacle.
• The wavelength and the frequency remain unchanged after diffraction.

Diffraction happen when waves pass through an opening

• Waves spread to a wider area after passing through the opening.
• The wavelength and the frequency remain unchanged after diffraction.

Factors Affecting the Magnitude of Diffraction - Wavelength

Shorter wavelength - Diffracted less	Longer wavelength - Diffracted more

In the diagram above, we can see that as the wavelength of a wave is longer, it will be diffracted more compare with a wave with shorter wavelegth.

Factors Affecting the Magnitude of Diffraction - Size of Opening

Small opening - Diffracted more	Bigger opening - Diffracted less

Diagram above shows that the magnitude of diffration will reduce when the size of opening increases.