Diffraction | Mimi Bebe

Diffraction is a fundamental wave phenomenon where waves, like light or sound, bend and spread out as they pass through an opening or around an obstacle. This bending causes the wave to deviate from its straight path, creating interference patterns of bright and dark fringes when the diffracted waves overlap. The extent of diffraction depends on the wavelength of the wave and the size of the aperture or obstacle; shorter wavelengths and smaller openings result in more pronounced diffraction. Observing diffraction is crucial in understanding the wave nature of light and has practical applications in optics, microscopy, and even in the design of everyday objects like CD/DVDs and diffraction gratings.