What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
diffraction
Example
The diffraction of light through a prism creates a rainbow. [diffraction: noun]
Example
The sound waves diffracted around the corner of the building. [diffracted: past tense verb]
scattering
Example
The blue color of the sky is due to the scattering of sunlight by the atmosphere. [scattering: noun]
Example
The laser beam scattered when it hit the rough surface. [scattered: past tense verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Scattering is more commonly used than diffraction in everyday language, especially in the context of atmospheric science and photography. Diffraction is more specialized and is primarily used in optics and physics.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between diffraction and scattering?
Both diffraction and scattering are formal terms used in scientific contexts. However, diffraction may be considered more technical and specialized than scattering.
