Diffraction: Why Light Bends Around Edges

Diffraction happens when light waves bend around corners or edges instead of traveling straight.
It’s most noticeable when the obstacle or opening is close in size to the light’s wavelength.
This bending causes shadows to blur at the edges rather than stay perfectly sharp.
Diffraction makes light spread out after passing through a narrow slit or small aperture.
The colorful patterns on CDs and DVDs come from diffraction off tiny grooves.
A diffraction grating splits light into sharp, vivid spectra used in labs and spectrometers.
Even sound waves diffract, which is why you can hear someone speaking around a wall.
The famous double-slit experiment revealed diffraction patterns that proved light’s wave nature.
Telescope resolution is limited by diffraction, known as the “diffraction limit.”
Diffraction turns everyday edges and tiny openings into natural light-bending experiments.