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  1. Diffraction - Wikipedia

    The effects of diffraction of light were first carefully observed and characterized by Francesco Maria Grimaldi, who also coined the term diffraction, from the Latin diffringere, 'to break into pieces', …

  2. Diffraction | Definition, Examples, Types, & Facts | Britannica

    Oct 17, 2025 · Diffraction, the spreading of waves around obstacles. Diffraction takes place with sound; with electromagnetic radiation, such as light, X-rays, and gamma rays; and with very small moving …

  3. 26.2: Diffraction - Physics LibreTexts

    Diffraction As we explained in the previous paragraph, diffraction is defined as the bending of a wave around the edges of an opening or an obstacle.

  4. Diffraction: Definition, Physics, Equation, and Formula

    Nov 17, 2022 · Diffraction is the bending or spreading of light waves around an obstacle. The obstacle can be an aperture or slit whose size is approximately the same as the wavelength of light.

  5. What is diffraction in physics? - California Learning Resource Network

    Jul 2, 2025 · Fraunhofer diffraction is commonly observed in applications involving lenses and telescopes, where focusing elements effectively bring the observation point to infinity. The diffraction …

  6. 17.1 Understanding Diffraction and Interference - OpenStax

    The bending of a wave around the edges of an opening or an obstacle is called diffraction. Diffraction is a wave characteristic that occurs for all types of waves. If diffraction is observed for a phenomenon, it …

  7. What Is Diffraction? The Physics of Spreading Waves

    May 27, 2025 · Diffraction is the phenomenon where waves bend, spread, or interfere when they encounter an obstacle or pass through a narrow opening. The effect is subtle yet profound.

  8. Diffraction Explained: Definition, Examples, Practice & Video Lessons

    Diffraction is the phenomenon where light waves spread out after passing through a small slit or around an obstacle. It occurs when the width of the slit is comparable to or smaller than the wavelength of …

  9. Diffraction of Light - Olympus

    Diffraction describes a specialized case of light scattering in which an object with regularly repeating features (such as a diffraction grating) produces an orderly diffraction of light in a diffraction pattern.

  10. Diffraction of Light – unifyphysics

    Types of Diffraction When we talk about diffraction, we’re essentially discussing how light waves can bend around obstacles or spread out after passing through small openings. However, not all …