Diffraction

When a wave arrives at an opening of very small dimension (on the order of magnitude of the wavelength), it is diffracted, that is to say, the wave front is rounded and widens.

Behind the slit, areas of minimum and maximum amplitude appear in the form of lines which diverge from the center of the opening.

The width of the opening of the slit and the wavelength are important parameters of the diffraction phenomenon.

Drag the sliders to change the parameters of the experiment.

Click and drag the sensor on the screen.