Question

Explain how light bends during diffraction

Answer 1

Refraction is the change in direction of waves that occurs when waves travel from one medium to another. Refraction is always accompanied by a wavelength and speed change. Diffraction is the bending of waves around obstacles and openings. The amount of diffraction increases with increasing wavelength.

Answer 2

Sample Response: When light encounters a barrier or an opening, wavelets traveling perpendicular to the wave front move into the shadow regions of the barrier or opening.