Diffraction - opening smaller than wavelength

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the concept of diffraction and its dependence on the relationship between wavelength and opening size. The conclusion is that option D (λ of 5.0nm through an opening of 45m) produces the least degree of diffraction due to the wavelength being significantly smaller than the opening. In contrast, options A (λ of 2.0m through an opening of 1.0cm) and B (λ of 30m through an opening of 2.0m) result in substantial diffraction because the wavelengths are much larger than the openings. The participant confirms that larger wavelengths lead to increased diffraction.

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dragon-kazooie
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Hi! I have this problem:

Homework Statement


Which combination will produce the least degree of diffraction?
A. λ of 2.0m through an opening of 1.0 cm
B. λ of 30m through an opening of 2.0 m
C. λ of 2.0m through an opening of 25 m
D. λ of 5.0nm through an opening of 45 m

The Attempt at a Solution



I know that the answer would be D because the wavelength is so much smaller than the opening that it would barely diffract, and that C would also be pretty low.

What I'm not sure of is what happens with A and B. If the wavelength is much greater than the opening, does that mean it will not be able to go through it, or does that mean it will go through and diffract a lot?


thanks for your time!
 
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It goes through and diffracts a lot.
 
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