Definition: The spreading out of waves as they pass through an opening or around objects.

Light waves and sound waves are similar in that...

A wave of constant wavelength diffracts as it passes through an opening in a barrier. As the size of the opening is increased, the diffraction effects

The diagram shows a series of wave fronts approaching an opening in a barrier. Point P is located on the opposite side of the barrier. The wave fronts reach point P as a result of

Which wave phenomenon makes it possible for a player to hear sound from a referee's whistle in an open field even when standing behind the referee?

A wave is diffracted as it passes through an opening in a barrier. The amount of diffraction that the wave undergoes depends on both the

Which diagram best represents the shape and direction of a series of wave fronts after they have passed through a small opening in a barrier?

Parallel wave fronts incident on an opening in a barrier are diffracted. For which combination of wavelength and size of opening will diffraction effects be greatest?

Radio waves diffract around buildings more than light waves do because, compared to light waves, radio waves

Waves pass through a 10-centimeter opening in a barrier without being diffracted. This observation provides evidence that the wavelength of the waves i

The spreading of a wave into the region behind an obstruction is called

This diagram shows a series of straight wave fronts produced in a shallow tank of water approaching a small opening in a barrier.