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  1. Diffraction - Wikipedia

    Diffraction is the deviation of waves from straight-line propagation without any change in their energy due to an obstacle or through an aperture. The diffracting object or aperture effectively becomes a …

  2. Diffraction | Definition, Examples, Types, & Facts | Britannica

    Oct 17, 2025 · 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 …

  3. 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.

  4. 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, …

  5. 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. The …

  6. What is diffraction in physics? - California Learning Resource Network

    Jul 2, 2025 · Diffraction refers to the deviation of waves from rectilinear (straight-line) propagation when encountering an obstacle or aperture. It’s not simply reflection or refraction; it’s a fundamental …

  7. 17.1 Understanding Diffraction and Interference - OpenStax

    This free textbook is an OpenStax resource written to increase student access to high-quality, peer-reviewed learning materials.

  8. 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 …

  9. 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 …

  10. Diffraction Explained: Definition, Examples, Practice & Video Lessons

    Diffraction is the phenomenon where light waves spread out after passing through a small slit or around an obstacle. It occurs when the width of the slit is comparable to or smaller than the wavelength of …