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  1. 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.

  2. 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 …

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

    Apr 17, 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 …

  4. 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 …

  5. 4: Diffraction - Physics LibreTexts

    Diffraction can send a wave around the edges of an opening or other obstacle. A single slit produces an interference pattern characterized by a broad central maximum with narrower and dimmer maxima to …

  6. 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.

  7. 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 …

  8. Diffraction in Physics: Definition, Types & Easy Examples - Vedantu

    Diffraction is the phenomenon of the bending of waves as they pass around an obstacle or through an aperture. Instead of continuing in a straight line, the waves spread out.

  9. The phenomenon of diffraction results when a wave interacts with an object or aperture whose size is comparable to the wavelength of the wave interacting with it.

  10. 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 …