Question about waves, maybe diffraction related

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    Diffraction Waves
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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the behavior of monochromatic waves, particularly in relation to diffraction when passing through apertures smaller than their wavelength. It is established that if the aperture is smaller than the wavelength, significant diffraction occurs, resulting in the central bright fringe occupying the entire screen. The conversation highlights the misconception that waves cannot pass through small apertures, emphasizing that it is the wavelength, not the amplitude, that dictates this behavior. The example of radio waves with a wavelength of approximately 10 km passing through a 500 nm slit illustrates this principle effectively.

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fluidistic
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I don't know why my intuition tells me that generally if a monochromatic wave goes toward an aperture smaller than its wavelength (or half its wavelength maybe), the wave can't go through the aperture. Is it true?
I don't think so now... I see no reason why it would be true. And we couldn't listen to radio inside any building...
I'd like a confirmation, thank you.
 
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Remember, it's the wavelength, not the amplitude of the light wave...
If the aperture is smaller than the wavelength, there would be maximum diffraction - the central bright fringe would fill the entire screen!
 
tan99 said:
Remember, it's the wavelength, not the amplitude of the light wave...
If the aperture is smaller than the wavelength, there would be maximum diffraction - the central bright fringe would fill the entire screen!

Hmm? I never wrote "amplitude" and I did use "wavelength".
So you're saying that if I send a radio wave (for example wavelength around 10 km) through a 500 nm width slit, the wave would pass through the slit?
 

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