1. Diffraction of Waves

2. Learning outcomes Understand what “diffraction” of waves is. Understand what “diffraction” of waves is. Explain in terms of diffraction how wavelength affects radio and television reception. Explain in terms of diffraction how wavelength affects radio and television reception.

3. Wave Properties We know that waves can be reflected. We know that waves can be reflected.

4. Wave Properties We know that waves can be refracted. We know that waves can be refracted.

5. Wave Properties What about waves being blocked by an obstruction? What about waves being blocked by an obstruction?

6. Wave Properties BUT – some signals (waves) can be picked up……..? BUT – some signals (waves) can be picked up……..?

7. DIFFRACTION

8. Diffraction Diffraction is the bending of waves around an obstacle. Diffraction is the bending of waves around an obstacle. Longer (wavelength) waves diffract more than shorter (wavelength) waves. Longer (wavelength) waves diffract more than shorter (wavelength) waves.

9. Diffraction of Radio waves Radio waves are long and diffract enough to be detected in the valley. Radio waves are long and diffract enough to be detected in the valley.

10. Diffraction of TV waves TV waves are shorter and don’t diffract as much. They are not detected in the valley TV waves are shorter and don’t diffract as much. They are not detected in the valley