Question

What is diffraction?

Options

• The size of everyday objects being far larger than the wavelength of light

• The bending of light (or any wave) around the corners or edges of an obstacle or aperture

• The wavelength of light being roughly 400–700 nm

• The resolving power of the eye and optical instruments

Answer 1

Diffraction is the bending of light or any wave around the corners or edges of an obstacle or aperture. This bending allows the wave to spread beyond the region it would reach without diffraction.