Diffraction of light is the phenomenon where light waves spread out as they pass through a narrow opening or around an obstacle. This results in a pattern of bright and dark fringes that can be observed on a screen or surface.
A single slit is a narrow opening through which light can pass. It is often used in experiments to demonstrate the diffraction of light.
The width of the slit directly affects the diffraction pattern. As the width of the slit decreases, the diffraction pattern becomes wider and the fringes become more spread out. Conversely, as the width of the slit increases, the diffraction pattern becomes narrower and the fringes become closer together.
The wavelength of light and the diffraction pattern are inversely proportional. This means that as the wavelength of light increases, the diffraction pattern becomes narrower and the fringes become closer together. As the wavelength decreases, the diffraction pattern becomes wider and the fringes become more spread out.
Diffraction and refraction are both phenomena that involve the bending of light. However, diffraction occurs when light waves pass through a narrow opening or around an obstacle, while refraction occurs when light travels through a medium with varying densities. Additionally, diffraction results in a pattern of fringes, while refraction causes a change in the direction of light.