A sound wave is diffracted as it passes through a doorway but a light wave is not - Leaving Cert Physics - Question 4 - 2006
Question 4
A sound wave is diffracted as it passes through a doorway but a light wave is not. Explain why.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:A sound wave is diffracted as it passes through a doorway but a light wave is not - Leaving Cert Physics - Question 4 - 2006
Step 1
Wavelength of Sound vs Light
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Answer
Sound waves have much longer wavelengths than light waves. As sound waves pass through a doorway, their long wavelengths allow them to bend around the edges of the door, leading to diffraction. In contrast, light waves, which have much shorter wavelengths, do not exhibit noticeable diffraction when passing through a doorway of similar size.
Step 2
Diffraction and Obstacles
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Answer
Diffraction occurs when a wave encounters an obstacle or an aperture that is comparable in size to its wavelength. Since the size of light waves is significantly smaller than the size of the doorway, light does not bend around the edges like sound does.
Step 3
Conclusion
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Answer
Therefore, due to the significant difference in wavelengths, sound waves are diffracted when passing through a doorway while light waves are not.
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