Particle analysis of diffraction

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the particle explanation of diffraction, particularly concerning sound waves. It highlights that diffraction is fundamentally a wave phenomenon, as evidenced by the Huygens–Fresnel principle. The conversation emphasizes that the behavior of gas particles is governed by statistical mechanics rather than individual particle behavior. Additionally, it notes that phonons, while quasi-particles, still require a wave model for analyzing interference effects in solids.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the Huygens–Fresnel principle
  • Familiarity with wave phenomena and diffraction
  • Basic knowledge of statistical mechanics
  • Concept of phonons in solid-state physics
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  • Research the Huygens–Fresnel principle in detail
  • Study wave phenomena and their applications in sound waves
  • Explore statistical mechanics and its implications for gas behavior
  • Learn about phonons and their role in solid-state physics
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Students and researchers in physics, particularly those interested in wave phenomena, sound wave diffraction, and the statistical behavior of particles in gases.

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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