Page 26 - WAVES

6.4 Diffraction of waves

Diffraction Of Waves

A phenomenon in which waves spread out as they pass through a aperture/ gap or round a

small obstacle.

Frequency, wavelength and Factors that influence
speed of waves do not the effect of diffraction
change.

Changes in the

direction of
Saiz of
propagation and Characteristics of Saiz of gap or wavelength
obstacle
the pattern of the diffracted waves
waves.

The effect of diffraction is obvious if:
1. the size of the gap or obstacle is
The amplitude of the __________________________.
small enough
diffraction wave

decreases (its energy 2. the wavelength is _____________
large enough
decrease).
_________________________

The effect of diffraction is obvious if the shape of the diffracted waves more spread out or

more circular. 26