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Diffraction is a phenomenon that occurs when a wave encounters an obstacle or aperture. Instead of passing straight through or being blocked entirely, the wave bends and spreads out. This bending is most noticeable when the size of the obstacle or aperture is comparable to the wavelength of the wave. Light, sound waves, and even water waves can all exhibit diffraction.

The spreading of waves after passing through a narrow slit is a classic example. Instead of a sharp shadow of the slit, a pattern of bright and dark fringes is observed on a screen. This pattern arises from the interference of the diffracted waves. Constructive interference, where wave crests align, creates bright fringes, while destructive interference, where crests and troughs cancel out, results in dark fringes.

The degree of diffraction depends on the ratio of the wavelength to the size of the obstacle or aperture. Shorter wavelengths diffract less than longer wavelengths when encountering an obstacle of the same size. This principle is utilized in various technologies, such as in the design of diffraction gratings used to separate light into its constituent wavelengths, or in understanding how sound waves can bend around corners. Diffraction is a fundamental wave property, crucial for comprehending the behavior of waves in diverse physical systems.