Diffraction – waves spread out as they pass through
an aperture or round a small obstacle The effect of diffraction is obvious only if: The size of the obstacle is small enough, The wavelength is large enough. Characteristics of diffracted waves Frequency, wavelength and speed of waves do not change, There is a change in direction and the pattern of the waves. Diffraction Fixed size of slit (waves of low frequency ) λ
At a lower frequency, the wavelength of the water
wave is long. Since, λ ≥ a, the effect of diffraction is very obvious Diffraction Fixed size of slit (waves of high frequency )
At a higher frequency, the wavelength of the water
wave is short. If λ ˂ a, the effect of diffraction is not obvious Diffraction Fixed wavelength (large slit) λ
If λ ˂ a, the effect of diffraction is not obvious. The
waves are bent only at the edges after passing the slit Diffraction Fixed wavelength (small slit) λ
If λ ≥ a, the effect of diffraction is very obvious. The
waves are circular and appear to originate from the small slit. Diffraction Fixed wavelength (large obstacle) λ
The effect of diffraction is not noticeable
Diffraction Fixed wavelength (small obstacle) λ
The effect of diffraction is obvious. The waves
recombine after passing the small obstacle. Light Diffraction
The diffraction effect is not noticeable if the size
of the slit and hole increases. The diffraction effect is most obvious as the size of slit or hole is similar to that of the wavelength. Diffraction of Sound Waves (AM and FM Radio Waves)
Diffraction, or the bending of sound waves around
an obstacle, can occur both at the top of the barrier and around the ends. Due to the nature of sound waves, diffraction does not bend all frequencies uniformly. Higher frequencies (shorter wavelengths) are diffracted lesser Lower frequencies (longer wavelengths) are diffracted more into the "shadow" zone behind the barrier. Thus, houses over hills will get reception of long wave radio instead of TV and FM radio Why we can often hear people even when we can’t see them?
Sound has a much longer
wavelength than light. Sound waves can even diffract around buildings or through doorways. This is why you can often hear people even when you can't see them. Sound waves are diffracted as they leave their source, for instance a loud speaker. Size of the source will affect how much diffraction occurs.
The street cleaner can still hear the sound from the radio even though it is beyond his vision. This is possible due to diffraction of sound at the edge of the walls. Diffraction of Water Waves
Tough concrete wall are built close to the harbour
to protect the ship from ruined due to strong waves and built in front of the bay where the waves are calmer. Diffraction of Water Waves
Smaller amplitude and longer wavelength
Gap between the wall barriers to reflect some of the waves and the waves that passes through only carry small portion of energy