Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC) Secondary Integrated Science Practice test

What does the term 'diffraction' refer to in wave behavior?

1. Spreading of waves around obstacles

2. Bending of waves through different mediums

3. Change in frequency of waves

4. Interference between waves

The correct answer is: Spreading of waves around obstacles

The term 'diffraction' specifically refers to the phenomenon where waves spread out as they encounter obstacles or pass through openings. When a wave, such as light or sound, meets an edge or slit, it bends and spreads beyond the geometric shadow of the obstacle. This behavior is a fundamental characteristic of wave propagation and can be observed across various types of waves. The spreading effect is most pronounced when the size of the obstacle or opening is comparable to the wavelength of the wave. This aspect highlights the wave nature of phenomena, illustrating how they behave differently than particles would when encountering similar situations. Understanding diffraction is crucial for various applications, including sound engineering and optical systems, as it impacts how waves interact with their environments. In contrast, the other options refer to different wave behaviors that do not specifically encapsulate the concept of diffraction. For example, bending waves through different mediums pertains to refraction, while a change in frequency relates to phenomena like Doppler effect. Interference between waves involves the superposition of two or more wavefronts leading to constructive or destructive patterns, which is distinctly different from the spreading characteristic of diffraction.