Diffraction effects and wavelengths

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the relationship between wavelength and diffraction effects, specifically whether higher wavelength radiation exhibits more pronounced diffraction than lower wavelength radiation. Participants explore this concept in the context of light and sound, as well as specific experiments like Young's double-slit experiment.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that higher wavelength radiation has more pronounced diffraction effects, suggesting that sound, with its larger wavelength, can diffract while light cannot.
  • Others challenge the claim that light cannot be diffracted, pointing out that light does exhibit diffraction, particularly in contexts like Young's double-slit experiment.
  • There is a discussion about the conditions under which diffraction occurs, noting that it is related to the size of the aperture compared to the wavelength of the light.
  • One participant mentions that diffraction effects are more pronounced when the aperture size is much smaller than the wavelength, indicating a relationship between wavelength and aperture size.
  • Questions arise regarding the diffraction of light from a normal light bulb and what factors might contribute to such diffraction.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on whether light can be diffracted, with some asserting it cannot while others provide examples that demonstrate it can. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the implications of wavelength on diffraction effects.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the definitions and contexts of diffraction, particularly in relation to light and sound. There are also references to specific experiments and conditions that may influence the observed diffraction effects.

LTP
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Do higher wavelength radiation have more pronounced diffraction effects than low wavelength radiation, and why is that?
 
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yes. this is why sounds can be diffracted, but not light. sound has a larger wavelength than light.
 
sorry did you just say light cannot be diffracted?!

edit: btw when you say more pronounced diffraction effects do you mean that it spreads out more (i.e. theta will be bigger)? The diffraction is related to the size of the hole through which the light is going through compared to the wavelength of the light...in what exact context are you talking about?
 
Last edited:
aww...did i make a mistake when i said light cannot be diffracted. actually i did this topic this morning, and i thought i heard my teacher say that light travels straight, it cannot be diffracted.

diffraction occurs when the size of aperture is much much less smaller than the wavelength. light has a very small wavelength, and it is difficult to get apertures even tinier.

i hope i didn't make a botch.

thnks
 
jaderberg said:
sorry did you just say light cannot be diffracted?!

edit: btw when you say more pronounced diffraction effects do you mean that it spreads out more (i.e. theta will be bigger)? The diffraction is related to the size of the hole through which the light is going through compared to the wavelength of the light...in what exact context are you talking about?
Just in general; is there any diffraction effects for light coming from a normal light bulb?

Kushal said:
aww...did i make a mistake when i said light cannot be diffracted. actually i did this topic this morning, and i thought i heard my teacher say that light travels straight, it cannot be diffracted.

diffraction occurs when the size of aperture is much much less smaller than the wavelength. light has a very small wavelength, and it is difficult to get apertures even tinier.

i hope i didn't make a botch.

thnks
What about Young's double-slit experiment?
 
There can definatly be diffraction of light as seen in Young's double slit and diffraction gratings etc.

As for light coming from a normal light bulb, what would cause it to diffracted at all?
 
LTP said:
Do higher wavelength radiation have more pronounced diffraction effects than low wavelength radiation, and why is that?
Yes.

Diffraction effects are ultimately determined by the size of the wavelength with respect to an object or slit. A 1 micron wide slit illuminated by 500 nm light will behave equivalently to a 1 metre wide slit illuminated by 0.5 m radiation. The larger the wavelength, the smaller everything becomes with respect to the wavelength, which causes diffraction effects to be more pronounced.

Claude.
 

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