Why does slit diffraction occur?

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SUMMARY

Slit diffraction occurs due to Huygens' principle, which posits that every point on a wavefront acts as a source of new wavelets. This phenomenon is independent of the material properties of the slits, provided the material effectively blocks radiation. Unlike Bragg diffraction, which involves scattering by atomic structures, slit diffraction is a fundamental wave behavior. The discussion also clarifies that the interference of two electromagnetic waves does not result in permanent changes to their amplitudes once they separate.

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  • Understanding of Huygens' principle
  • Basic knowledge of wave behavior and interference
  • Familiarity with electromagnetic waves
  • Concept of diffraction in physics
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  • Study the mathematical formulation of Huygens' principle
  • Explore the differences between slit diffraction and Bragg diffraction
  • Investigate the principles of wave interference and superposition
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CrimpJiggler
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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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