Particle analysis of diffraction

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the challenge of finding a particle-based explanation for the diffraction of sound waves, which is primarily understood through wave phenomena like the Huygens–Fresnel principle. Participants note that sound waves involve macroscopic quantities such as pressure and density, making individual particle behavior less relevant. The conversation highlights that even phonons, as quantized vibrational energy in solids, require a wave model for analyzing interference effects. Additionally, the complexities of assigning a phase to particles complicate diffraction calculations. Overall, the consensus emphasizes that diffraction is best approached through wave theory rather than particle theory.
Byron Forbes
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I have done a bit of googling but cannot find anything in this regard at all.

It seems to all be "thought of" (rather than explained) by the Huygens–Fresnel principle and other spin offs.

Can anyone point me to a particle explanation of diffraction for sound waves? Or does anyone here have one?

If not, I'll have a crack at one myself and see what happens! :)
 
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Byron Forbes said:
Can anyone point me to a particle explanation of diffraction for sound waves? Or does anyone here have one?
Diffraction is a wave phenomenon. The pressure and density of a gas are both macroscopic quantities and the behaviour of the 'particles' in a gas is based on the statistics of large numbers and not on individual particle behaviour.

Even Phonons are quantised forms of vibrational energy in solid lattices and are quasi particles but, afaik, interference effects in a solid have to be dealt with in terms of waves.

Diffraction of EM waves or beams of quantum particles (electrons etc.) has to be treated with the wave model. So I am not sure what you actually want to do here.

There would be a problem with assigning a phase to a particle (needed for diffraction calculations) would present difficulties.
 
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