Can anyone explain dispersion to me in simple words?

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    Dispersion Explain
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Dispersion refers to the relationship between frequency and wavelength, particularly in materials where the index of refraction varies with wavelength, making them 'dispersive.' It applies to various wave systems, including surface waves and electron transport. When waves propagate, their different components can deform and spread out, leading to a non-linear relationship between angular frequency and wavenumber. This phenomenon is often confused with diffraction, which involves waves spreading out after passing through a small gap. Understanding dispersion is crucial for research involving wave behavior.
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Can anyone explain "dispersion" to me in simple words?

Can anyone explain "dispersion" to me in simple words?

like,, when waves escape from a small gap why would they s[read out in circles?

thnx for help!
 
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Hello Knight ever,

Welcome to Physics Forums.

Knight_ever said:
Can anyone explain "dispersion" to me in simple words?

like,, when waves escape from a small gap why would they s[read out in circles?

thnx for help!

Do you mean "diffraction"?

Here's a Wikipedia article on diffraction.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diffraction
 


tell us what dispersion is. i badly need it for my research. I am still clueless for that.
 


Dispersion is the relationship between frequency and wavelength. If the index of refraction of a material is wavelength dependent, it is also called 'dispersive'. Dispersion can be generally applied to any system involving waves: surface waves, electron transport in matter, etc.
 


Dispersion means that the relationship between angular frequency and wavenumber is not linear
In this case,the wave will deform when propagating,or to say the diffrent components of the waves disperse
 

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