diffraction, the spreading of waves around obstacles. … The phenomenon is the result of interference (i.e., when waves are superimposed, they may reinforce or cancel each other out) and is most pronounced when the wavelength of the radiation is comparable to the linear dimensions of the obstacle.

What is diffraction in one word?

Definition of diffraction : a modification which light undergoes especially in passing by the edges of opaque bodies or through narrow openings and in which the rays appear to be deflected also : a similar modification of other waves (such as sound waves) or of moving particles (such as electrons)

What is diffraction pattern physics?

Diffraction is the spreading out of waves as they pass through an aperture or around objects. … The diffraction pattern made by waves passing through a slit of width a,a (larger than lambda,λ) can be understood by imagining a series of point sources all in phase along the width of the slit.