Under what conditions does light diffract?
Light primarily diffracts when it encounters an object or opening that is comparable in size to its wavelength.
According to the provided reference, the fundamental requirement for light diffraction to take place is linked directly to the dimensions of the feature the light interacts with.
The key condition highlighted is:
- The width of the obstacle or the slit must be less than or identical to the wavelength of the light used.
When this specific condition is met, the light waves effectively bend as they pass around the edges of the obstacle or through the narrow opening. This phenomenon of light bending is known as diffraction.
In essence, significant diffraction occurs when the size of the object or opening is on the same order of magnitude as, or smaller than, the wavelength of the light. If the obstacle or slit is much larger than the wavelength, the bending effect is minimal and often negligible.
