Question Detail
Question
What is the name given to the effect that allows the wavefronts to reach point X shown on the diagram? (Diagram shows water waves passing through a gap in a barrier and spreading out).
Correct Answer
Option C is the correct answer.
Detailed Explanation
The diagram illustrates waves encountering a barrier with an opening (a slit). The waves then spread out as they pass through this opening and reach a point (X) that would otherwise be in the 'shadow' if the waves traveled only in straight lines.This phenomenon, where waves spread out after passing through an aperture or around an obstacle, is called diffraction.A. Reflection is the bouncing back of waves from a surface.B. Refraction is the bending of waves as they pass from one medium to another.D. Dispersion is the phenomenon where the phase velocity of a wave depends on its frequency, leading to the separation of different wavelengths (e.g., prism separating white light).
Hint
Consider how waves behave when they encounter an obstacle or an opening. What happens when light or sound waves pass through a narrow slit?