Why does slit diffraction occur?

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Slit diffraction occurs due to Huygens' principle, where each point in a wave acts as a source for new waves, leading to scattering independent of the material properties of the slit. It differs from Bragg diffraction, which involves scattering by the atomic structure of a solid. The discussion highlights that slit diffraction is a fundamental wave phenomenon rather than a material-specific interaction. Additionally, when two electromagnetic waves interfere, their amplitude change is not permanent; they return to their original states once separated. Understanding these principles clarifies the nature of wave interactions and diffraction phenomena.
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Is it the same thing as Bragg diffraction, in the sense that it is caused by the photons being scattered in different directions when it hits the atoms of the solid material around the slit?
 
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No, slit diffraction is independent of the properties of the material on which the slits are built (As long as the material blocks the radiation from passing right through it.). Slit diffraction happens as a consequence of scattering due to Huygens principle which states that any point in a wave can be taken as a point source for new waves.
 
Ah yeah I was thinking of x-rays which are scattered by electron clouds. Huygens principle, thanks.
 
A side question: When two electromagnetic waves interfere, is the change in amplitude permanent, meaning will they still have altered amplitudes even when they are no longer near each other?
 
No, after the two waves "separate", they continue as if they had never encountered each other.
 
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