Science glossary film: Diffraction

The bending or spreading of waves when they encounter an obstacle. Diffraction effects can be seen in all types of waveform, from light and radio waves, to waves in water, and even subatomic particles. Diffraction is usually most noticeable when the gap the wave passes through is relatively small, similar in size to the wavelength of the waveform.

Diffraction effects can be seen in all types of waveform, from light and radio waves, to waves in water, and even subatomic particles. Diffraction is usually most noticeable when the gap the wave passes through is relatively small, similar in size to the wavelength of the waveform.