diffraction Definition
- 1the bending of waves, especially sound and light waves, around obstacles in their path
- 2the spreading out of waves as they pass through a narrow opening or around an obstacle
Using diffraction: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "diffraction" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The diffraction of light causes rainbows to form.
Example
The diffraction of sound waves around buildings can make it difficult to hear clearly.
Example
Diffraction gratings are used to separate light into its component colors.
diffraction Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for diffraction
Phrases with diffraction
X-ray diffraction
a technique used to study the structure of crystals by analyzing the diffraction patterns produced by X-rays passing through them
Example
X-ray diffraction is commonly used in materials science to determine the atomic and molecular structure of materials.
a technique used to study the structure of molecules by analyzing the diffraction patterns produced by a beam of electrons passing through them
Example
Electron diffraction is commonly used in chemistry to determine the structure of molecules.
the diffraction of light waves as they pass through a narrow opening or around an obstacle
Example
Optical diffraction is responsible for the patterns seen when light passes through a diffraction grating.
Origins of diffraction
from Latin 'diffractus', meaning 'broken to pieces'
Summary: diffraction in Brief
Diffraction [dɪˈfrækʃən] refers to the bending and spreading out of waves, such as sound and light waves, as they encounter obstacles or pass through narrow openings. It is responsible for phenomena like rainbows and can make it difficult to hear clearly around buildings. Diffraction techniques like X-ray and electron diffraction are used to study the structures of crystals and molecules.
