1. Diffraction Information gathered from: gcsescience.com

2. 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

3. 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

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

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