Diffraction [P]

Question 1

Define the term “Diffraction”.

Answer 1

Waves spread out as they pass through a gap or go past an obstacle.

Question 2

When does diffraction work most effectively?

Answer 2

If the gap is approximately the same as the wavelength

Question 3

What happens if the gap is too large?

Answer 3

Most energy will go through but diffraction will be ineffective.

Question 4

What happens if the gap is narrow?

Answer 4

The waves will spread out evenly.

Question 5

How do bright regions occur using a diffraction gradient?

Answer 5

Waves are overlapping in phase
This causes constructive interference
Always brightest in the centre
Waves get amplified

Question 6

How do dark regions occur using a diffraction gradient?

Answer 6

Waves are overlapping out of phase
This causes destructive interference
Waves cancel out