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==Key Stage 5==
[[File:DiffractionSpot.png|right|300px|thumb|The [[Diffraction Pattern|diffraction pattern]] produced on a screen when [[monochromatic]] [[Visible Light|light]] passes through a circular hole.]]
===Meaning===
[[Diffraction]] is the spreading of [[wave]]s when they pass through a gap or around an obstacle.
*'''Diffraction''' explains phenomena such as the bending of [[Visible Light|light]] around corners and the formation of [[Diffraction Pattern|diffraction patterns]].
*'''Diffraction''' is used in various applications, including [[X-ray Diffraction|X-ray diffraction]] to determine crystal structures and [[Electron Diffraction|electron diffraction]] to study the properties of materials.
===Depictions of Diffraction===
{| class="wikitable"
|-
|[[File:SingleSlitDiffraction.png|center|200px|link=https://phet.colorado.edu/sims/html/wave-interference/latest/wave-interference_all.html]]
|[[File:DoubleSlitDiffraction.png|center|200px|link=https://phet.colorado.edu/sims/html/wave-interference/latest/wave-interference_all.html]]
|-
| style="height:20px; width:200px; text-align:center;" |This image shows a plan view of '''diffraction''' of a [[wave]] through a [[Single Slit Diffraction|single slit]]. To explore this yourself using physics simulations, visit the website 'phet' by clicking on the image.
| style="height:20px; width:200px; text-align:center;" |This image shows a plan view of '''diffraction''' of a [[wave]] through a [[Double Slit Diffraction|double slit]]. To explore this yourself using physics simulations, visit the website 'phet' by clicking on the image.
|}
===Examples===
*[[Diffraction Pattern|Diffraction patterns]] are observed when [[Visible Light|light]] passes through a [[Single Slit Diffraction|single slit]].
*[[Diffraction]] of [[sound]] [[wave]]s allows us to hear around corners.