Phenomena

Diffraction

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Wave phenomena can sometimes be a little difficult to wrap one’s head around. In this video, Mike from The Point Studios explains wave diffraction and why opening a window can help you spy on the conversation next door. Diffraction occurs when waves encounter an obstacle. If that obstacle is a slit in a wall, the slit becomes a point source, radiating waves outward spherically. The video focuses on acoustics, but diffraction matters in more than just sound – it’s key to water ripples, light and other electromagnetic waves, and, according to quantum theory, the fundamental building blocks of matter.   (Video credit: The Point Studios)

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