The parameters can be chosen depending on the application the grating will used for. This is the reason why viruses cannot be observed under a light microscope as its size is shorter than wave length of visible incident light.The shape, pitch and depth of the structures, as well as the wavelength of the light, determine the diffraction properties of the gratings. It will be diffracted around the obstacle. Having a wavelength more than that of the obstacle, it is impossible to retrieve any information about the obstacle because it will not be reflected back. Another implication while considering diffraction is that if the waves are A superior quality sound proofing means that there are no openings present, as even a small aperture can let sound enter the room and by the process of diffraction can spread in the whole area and cause disturbance. This principle is also used while soundproofing a room. The long wavelength waves can bend around obstacles and reach our ears from sources situated at distant places.
The thunders which are nearer to us are audible as a sharp crack which shows the presence of a number of high frequency sounds, whereas, distant thunders are heard as a low rumble due to presence of longer wavelengths. This process can also be observed during thunderstorms. It means that we will be able to hear low frequencies around obstacles better than frequencies which are higher. Important thing to keep in mind with regard to diffraction of sound waves is that it is more pronounced with waves of longer wavelength. This duality of diffraction has many applications. Due to this reason, the same sound wave can bend around obstacles and also tend to disperse in different directions after passing through a hole or crevice. Diffraction can also be said to have a dual nature. In fact, one can hear sounds around barriers and corners through a process that involves both reflection and diffraction. Thus, diffraction is the cause of violation of law of linear propagation of light or sound.ĭo you think it would be impossible to hear a sound if sound waves could not be diffracted? In some instances, the answer would be yes and in others the answer may be no. Same thing happens in case of light also but the level of diffraction in light is very small. After diffraction through a small hole, the sound is reaching the receiver. Sound from a source which is placed behind the screen / wall is creating sound waves. In the figure above, we see a receiver standing on the other side of a wall/ screen. Hearing voice while beings far apart from source is an example of diffraction of sound waves. It is due to process of diffraction that we are able to see/hear certain things which would not have been possible otherwise. Diffraction describes the movement in wave’s direction as it bends around an obstacle. Bending from one medium to the other medium, reflection off surfaces, and travelling through objects are some of the properties that waves possess. We can see this process in both light and sound waves. Diffraction is a phenomenon that we experience in our day to day life.