Why does diffraction not occur when light passes through a window?
- Leaving Cert Physics - Question d - 2008
Question d
Why does diffraction not occur when light passes through a window?
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Why does diffraction not occur when light passes through a window?
- Leaving Cert Physics - Question d - 2008
Step 1
The width of the window is too large
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Answer
Diffraction refers to the bending of waves around obstacles and the spreading of waves as they pass through narrow openings. However, when light passes through a window, the width of the window is generally much larger than the wavelength of light. The wavelength of visible light is approximately in the range of 400 nm to 700 nm.
Since the size of the window is significantly larger than this range, the conditions for diffraction are not met, and light continues in a straight line without bending.
Step 2
Implication of window size relative to wavelength
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Answer
Essentially, because the window is too wide relative to the wavelength of light, diffraction does not occur. Therefore, light behaves as it would in free space, resulting in minimal scattering or alteration of its path.
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