Which wave phenomenon describes the spreading of waves around obstacles or through openings?

Which wave phenomenon describes the spreading of waves around obstacles or through openings?

• A. Refraction
• B. Diffraction
• C. Absorption
• D. Reflection

Answer: (B)

Diffraction is the spreading of waves as they pass around obstacles or through openings. When a wavefront reaches an edge or squeezes through a gap, parts of the wave bend around the edge and spread into the region beyond the obstacle. This bending lets the wave appear on the other side and can produce interference patterns due to overlapping wavefronts. This effect is why you can hear someone talking around a corner, or why light creates patterns when it passes through a narrow slit. The extent of spreading depends on how large the obstacle or opening is compared to the wavelength—the longer the wavelength relative to the opening, the more noticeable the diffraction. Refraction involves bending when waves move into a different medium and change speed, absorption is when the material takes in the wave’s energy, and reflection is the bouncing back from a surface. Diffraction specifically describes the spreading around edges and through openings, making it the best description for this phenomenon.

Diffraction is the spreading of waves as they pass around obstacles or through openings. When a wavefront reaches an edge or squeezes through a gap, parts of the wave bend around the edge and spread into the region beyond the obstacle. This bending lets the wave appear on the other side and can produce interference patterns due to overlapping wavefronts.

This effect is why you can hear someone talking around a corner, or why light creates patterns when it passes through a narrow slit. The extent of spreading depends on how large the obstacle or opening is compared to the wavelength—the longer the wavelength relative to the opening, the more noticeable the diffraction.

Refraction involves bending when waves move into a different medium and change speed, absorption is when the material takes in the wave’s energy, and reflection is the bouncing back from a surface. Diffraction specifically describes the spreading around edges and through openings, making it the best description for this phenomenon.