*Diffraction* is a phenomenon that happens when a [[Wave|wave]] encounters a slit that has a similar width to its [[Wavelength|wavelength]]. The wave can propagate into the regions where we would usually expect no propagation due to the slit. Interestingly, we will also see [[Interference|interference]] between the different waves passing the slit and we get a pattern behind the slit instead of just a stark light/dark contrast. ![[diffraction.excalidraw.light.svg]] In everyday life, we take the *diffraction* of sound as a given. Audible sound has a wavelength of roughly one meter which is also the width of doors. Nobody is surprised that you can hear someone speak in a room although you are not directly standing in direct "line of sound". This is partly due to the reflection of sound of the walls, but also due to the diffraction of sound. >[!read]- Further Reading >- [[Interference]] >- [[Wave]] >- [[Light]] >[!ref]- References