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Diffraction is a wave phenomenon characterized by the bending, spreading, or interference of waves as they encounter an obstacle, opening, or edge. This behavior occurs with various wave types, including light, sound, and water waves. The extent of diffraction depends primarily on the wavelength of the wave relative to the size of the obstacle or aperture; longer wavelengths tend to diffract more significantly through smaller openings.

In optics, diffraction explains phenomena such as the spreading of light waves when passing through narrow slits or around edges, producing patterns of light and dark fringes known as diffraction patterns. These patterns result from constructive and destructive interference of the waves. Diffraction limits the resolution of optical systems, such as telescopes and microscopes, by causing light to spread even through small apertures.

In acoustics, diffraction allows sound waves to bend around corners or objects, enabling sound to be heard even when the source is not in a direct line of sight. This property influences the design of auditoriums and soundproofing systems, as it affects how sound propagates in different environments.

Water waves also exhibit diffraction, such as the spreading of wave fronts around barriers or structures. This effect influences coastal erosion, the design of breakwaters, and the study of wave energy transfer.

Diffraction is a fundamental concept in wave physics and is described mathematically by wave equations and principles like Huygens’ principle, which models every point on a wavefront as a source of secondary wavelets. Understanding diffraction is crucial in fields ranging from optical engineering to acoustics and wave energy research.

Overall, diffraction demonstrates the wave nature of physical phenomena and highlights the importance of wavelength and geometry in wave behavior and interaction.