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Diffraction is the spreading or bending of waves when they pass through a narrow opening or around an obstacle. It can happen with light, sound, water waves, and other kinds of waves. Instead of traveling only in a straight line, the waves spread into the space beyond the opening or edge.
Diffraction is easiest to notice when the opening or obstacle is about the same size as the wave's wavelength. Light passing through a tiny slit can form bright and dark bands, while sound can bend around corners so people hear it even when they cannot see what is making the sound.
Diffraction is easiest to notice when the opening or obstacle is about the same size as the wave's wavelength. Light passing through a tiny slit can form bright and dark bands, while sound can bend around corners so people hear it even when they cannot see what is making the sound.