Diffraction complete notes class 12
The phenomenon of diffraction is important in many areas of physics, including optics, acoustics, and radio waves.
Types of Diffraction:
Fresnel Diffraction: This type of diffraction occurs when the source and the screen are both at finite distances from the diffracting aperture or obstacle.
Fraunhofer Diffraction: This type of diffraction occurs when the source is at infinite distance from the diffracting aperture or obstacle, and the screen is at a finite distance.
Factors affecting diffraction:
Wavelength of the wave: Diffraction is directly proportional to the wavelength of the wave. Longer wavelengths bend more than shorter wavelengths.
Size of the aperture: The size of the aperture or obstacle also affects the degree of diffraction. Smaller apertures diffract more than larger ones.
Applications of diffraction:
X-ray diffraction is used to determine the structure of crystals and other materials.
Diffraction grating is used in spectroscopy to separate light into its component colours.
Acoustic diffraction is used in sound recording and in the design of concert halls and other spaces.
Diffraction is used in radio communication to improve signal reception.
Conclusion:
Diffraction is an important phenomenon that occurs when waves pass through apertures or around obstacles. It is affected by the wavelength of the wave, the size of the aperture or obstacle, and the distance between the source, aperture, and screen. Diffraction has many applications in fields such as optics, acoustics, and radio waves, and is an important tool for scientists and engineers.
