$diffraction of sound$

$diffraction of sound$

The central maximum is six times higher than shown. (a) Monochromatic light passing through a single slit has a central maximum and many smaller and dimmer maxima on either side. In contrast, a diffraction grating ( Diffraction Gratings) produces evenly spaced lines that dim slowly on either side of the center.įigure 4.3 Single-slit diffraction pattern.

$diffraction of sound$

Note that the central maximum is larger than maxima on either side and that the intensity decreases rapidly on either side. Figure 4.3 shows a single-slit diffraction pattern. Light passing through a single slit forms a diffraction pattern somewhat different from those formed by double slits or diffraction gratings, which we discussed in the chapter on interference. For example, if you place your middle and index fingers close together and look through the opening at a light bulb, you can see a rather clear diffraction pattern, consisting of light and dark lines running parallel to your fingers. However, situations do occur in which apertures are small enough that the diffraction of light is observable. Since the wavelengths of visible light range from approximately 390 to 770 nm, most objects do not diffract light significantly. The diffraction of sound waves is apparent to us because wavelengths in the audible region are approximately the same size as the objects they encounter, a condition that must be satisfied if diffraction effects are to be observed easily. (credit: modification of map data from Google Earth) Figure 4.2 Because of the diffraction of waves, ocean waves entering through an opening in a breakwater can spread throughout the bay.

$diffraction of sound$

Diffraction of sound