What is Diffraction?

Diffraction is a phenomenon where light waves bend around edges and spreads out after striking an obstacle. It occurs when waves come across an obstruction that causes them to spread out and interfere with each other. Diffraction occurs with light waves, sound waves, water waves, seismic waves etc.

For example, when light passes through a narrow slit, it diffracts, creating a pattern of alternating light and dark bands known as diffraction patterns. Similarly, when sound waves come across the edges of an obstacle, they diffract, producing a change in their direction and spreading outwards.

Refraction is the bending of light when passing through different mediums while diffraction occurs when light waves bend around obstacles or edges. While refraction affects the path of light rays, diffraction changes their distribution. Both phenomena play big roles in various scientific fields and applications.

In this article, we will learn about the differences between refraction and diffraction.