Diffraction Effects

Mr. Andersen explains diffraction, the bending of waves around obstacles or through openings. He compares sound and light diffraction, noting that sound waves, with longer wavelengths, diffract more easily than light waves. Everyday examples, such as hearing bass from a car, illustrate this concept. A PhET simulation demonstrates how changing obstacle size affects diffraction. The video also discusses radio waves, explaining why shortwave signals may not reach certain areas and how longwave signals diffract more readily. The video aims to help viewers predict and explain wave energy transfer based on wavelength.

Why can sound waves be heard around corners while light waves cannot?

• Light waves are absorbed by obstacles.

• Sound waves travel faster than light waves.

• Sound waves are louder than light waves.

• Sound waves have longer wavelengths than light waves.

What happens to the shadow region when the size of an obstacle is decreased to match the wavelength of waves?

• The shadow region decreases.

• The shadow region disappears completely.

• The shadow region increases.

• The shadow region remains unchanged.

In the PhET simulation, what is observed when the wall size is reduced?

• The sound waves become louder.

• Diffraction increases on both sides of the wall.

• The sound waves stop completely.

• The sound waves are absorbed by the wall.

Why might shortwave radio signals not reach a house on the other side of a hill?

• Shortwave signals have longer wavelengths.

• Shortwave signals are absorbed by the hill.

• Shortwave signals are too weak to travel far.

• Shortwave signals do not diffract enough around obstacles.

What is a potential solution for receiving shortwave signals in obstructed areas?

• Moving the house closer to the signal source.

• Installing a relay to transmit the signals.

• Using a different frequency band.

• Increasing the power of the radio signal.