This occurs when an object causes a wave to change direction and bend around it.

This occurs when an object causes a wave to change direction and bend around it.

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

Answer: (A)

Diffraction is the bending and spreading of a wave as it encounters an obstacle or passes through a narrow opening. When a wave meets an edge or gap, portions of the wave can travel around the obstacle and emerge on the other side, causing the wave to fan out rather than continue in a single straight path. The effect is more noticeable when the obstacle or slit is about the same size as the wavelength, or when the opening is narrow compared to the wavelength. Think of a water wave wrapping around a dock, sound waves bending around a corner, or light spreading after passing through a small slit. This is what lets waves reach areas that would be in shadow if they traveled in a straight line. This is different from reflection, which is a bounce off a surface; refraction, which is a change in direction due to entering a medium with a different wave speed; and scattering, which redirects waves in many directions because of roughness or irregularities. In drones, diffraction helps radio and light signals bend around obstacles, contributing to communication beyond direct line of sight, though with some loss of strength.

Diffraction is the bending and spreading of a wave as it encounters an obstacle or passes through a narrow opening. When a wave meets an edge or gap, portions of the wave can travel around the obstacle and emerge on the other side, causing the wave to fan out rather than continue in a single straight path. The effect is more noticeable when the obstacle or slit is about the same size as the wavelength, or when the opening is narrow compared to the wavelength.

Think of a water wave wrapping around a dock, sound waves bending around a corner, or light spreading after passing through a small slit. This is what lets waves reach areas that would be in shadow if they traveled in a straight line.

This is different from reflection, which is a bounce off a surface; refraction, which is a change in direction due to entering a medium with a different wave speed; and scattering, which redirects waves in many directions because of roughness or irregularities. In drones, diffraction helps radio and light signals bend around obstacles, contributing to communication beyond direct line of sight, though with some loss of strength.