Why the water waves bend in diffraction?

AI Thread Summary
Waves bend when they pass through a narrow gap, a phenomenon known as diffraction. In a ripple tank, water waves create circular wavefronts when passing through a narrow slit due to the principle that each point along the wavefront generates new circular waves. Conversely, when waves pass through a wide slit, the wavefronts remain straight because the gap is larger than the wavelength, minimizing the effect of diffraction. This behavior can be understood through the concept of wave disturbances generating circular ripples. Overall, diffraction illustrates the fundamental nature of wave propagation in various scenarios.
Aladin
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Waves bend when they pass throungh a narrow gap.It is the definition of diffraction.
what is the reason that when the water waves pass through a narrow gap in ripple tank the wavefronts become circular?
what is the reason that when the water waves pass through a wide slit in ripple tank the wavefronts remain straight?
please explain.
 

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This can be explained using "[URL Principle[/URL], where the wavefront at any point is considered to generate a circular wave at every point to advance itself. I didn't say that very well, but the Link may explain better. Be sure to check out the java applets link at the bottom of the Wikipedia page.

I like to think of it in this way. Whenever a wave encounters a "disturbance", it will generate a circular "ripple" centered at that disturbance. This sort of explains reflection, refraction and diffusion.
 
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