How can diffraction occur with gap smaller than the wavelength?

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SUMMARY

Diffraction can occur even when the gap is smaller than the wavelength of the wave. According to the discussion, for diffraction to be observed, the size of the gap or object must be comparable to or smaller than the wavelength. The mechanism of diffraction is not directly related to the physical size of the wave but rather to its wave nature, allowing it to bend around obstacles and through openings. Analogies with water and sound waves illustrate that waves can pass through small openings, demonstrating that diffraction is a fundamental property of waves.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of wave properties and behavior
  • Basic knowledge of diffraction principles
  • Familiarity with analogies in wave mechanics, such as water and sound waves
  • Concept of wavelength and its significance in wave phenomena
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the mathematical principles of diffraction, including Huygens' principle
  • Explore the concept of wave-particle duality in quantum mechanics
  • Study real-world applications of diffraction in optics and acoustics
  • Investigate the differences between various types of waves, such as electromagnetic and mechanical waves
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Students of physics, educators in wave mechanics, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of diffraction and wave behavior.

coconut62
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I was wondering if diffraction of a wave can occur when the gap through which the wave passes is shorter than the wavelength itself. Then I came across this website

http://www.talktalk.co.uk/reference/encyclopaedia/hutchinson/m0015966.html

Which says that "In order for this effect to be observed, the size of the object or gap must be comparable to or smaller than the wavelength of the waves."

I would like to know how can diffraction occur when the wavelength is longer than the gap? Wouldn't it be blocked?

I don't really understand the mechanism here because every illustration I met just showed some straight and curve lines "as a whole" without drawing out what happens to each single wavelength.
 
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The wavelength has nothing to do with the size of light, or anything within the wave picture of light. It isn't an "object".

I think you need to do some self-analysis of what you know that made you associate the wavelength with a physical size. There's nothing in the physics that would associate those two characteristics together.

As an analogy, do you see water waves going through openings smaller than its wavelength? Or what about sound going through a very tiny hole?

Zz.
 

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