Question

Which statements describe diffraction? Check all that apply.

Diffraction occurs when waves interact with a barrier.
Diffraction occurs because waves pass into a new medium.
Diffraction occurs when waves interact with a gap.
Diffraction occurs when waves bounce back in the reverse direction.
Diffraction occurs in any type of wave—mechanical or electromagnetic.

Answer 1

Diffraction describes the phenomenon where waves bend around barriers or through gaps and is characteristic of all types of waves, including mechanical and electromagnetic. It should not be confused with refraction, which is the change in direction of waves passing from one medium to another, or reflection, which is the bouncing back of waves in the reverse direction.

Step-by-step explanation:

Diffraction is a phenomenon that occurs when waves interact with obstacles or openings. Here are the statements that describe diffraction:

• Diffraction occurs when waves interact with a barrier.
• Diffraction occurs when waves interact with a gap.
• Diffraction occurs in any type of wave—mechanical or electromagnetic.

However, it is important to clarify that diffraction does not necessarily occur because waves pass into a new medium—that would be refraction. Also, diffraction is not about waves bouncing back in the reverse direction; that would be reflection.

Diffraction can be observed, for example, when sound waves bend around a corner or light waves pass through a narrow slit and spread out. This spreading out is a result of the edges of the wavefront encountering different obstacles or gaps and thus bending around them.

Answer 2

-- Diffraction occurs when waves interact with a barrier.
-- Diffraction occurs when waves interact with a gap.
-- Diffraction occurs in either type of wave—mechanical or electromagnetic.