Diffraction Information gathered from: gcsescience.com

Diffraction - definition Any type of wave can be diffracted. A diffracted wave will "spread out“ or bend. Diffraction occurs when the wavelength of a wave is of a similar size to an obstacle or a gap in a barrier. After diffraction, a wave will have the same speed, frequency and wavelength. speedfrequencywavelength Water waves can diffract when passing through a gap in a harbor wall.gap in a harbor wall

The wavelength of water waves may be several metres.wavelengthwater waves If the wavelength is of a similar size to a gap in a harbour wall, then the wave will diffract as shown below. diffract

If the wavelength does not match the size of the gap, then only a little diffraction will occur at the edge of the wave.

The part of the wave which hits the wall in the previous two pictures is reflected straight back on itself.reflected