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Definitions from WordNet

Definitions from the Web

Diffraction

Description:

Diffraction refers to the bending or spreading of waves around obstacles or openings. It is a phenomenon that occurs when a wave encounters an obstacle or passes through a narrow aperture. The wave's behavior is characterized by the bending, spreading, and interference of the waves as they interact with the edges of the obstacle or opening.

Senses and Usages:

1. Physics

In physics, diffraction is an essential concept in understanding how waves, such as light, sound, or water waves, interact with objects or openings. It plays a crucial role in fields like optics, acoustics, and fluid dynamics.

Sample Sentence:

"The diffraction of light enables us to observe colorful patterns when light passes through a narrow slit."

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2. Crystallography

In crystallography, diffraction is used to study the arrangement of atoms in a crystal lattice by analyzing the patterns formed by X-rays or electron beams that diffract from the crystal's arranged atoms.

Sample Sentence:

"X-ray diffraction is a powerful technique used in crystallography to determine the atomic structure of crystals."

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3. Optics

In optics, diffraction is responsible for various phenomena, such as the bending of light around the edges of an obstacle, interference patterns, and the creation of colorful rainbows.

Sample Sentence:

"The diffraction of light through a CD causes rainbow patterns to form on a nearby surface."

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4. Sound

Diffraction of sound waves refers to their bending or spreading when they encounter an obstacle, causing phenomena like the ability to hear sounds around corners or through openings.

Sample Sentence:

"The diffraction of sound allows us to hear voices from around a doorway."

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References:

• Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diffraction
• Britannica: https://www.britannica.com/science/diffraction