Moderate

Diffraction is prominent when the wavelength of light is:

Correct answer: C. Large as compared with the size of the obstacle

  • A. Five time small as compared with the size of the obstacle
  • B. Large as compared with the mass of the obstacle
  • C. Large as compared with the size of the obstacle
  • D. One half as compared with the size of the obstacle

Explanation

The bending of a beam of light around the corners of the obstacles is called diffraction. It occurs only when the wavelength is comparable to the size of the aperture. As the wavelength increases, the diffraction effect will also increase.Thus for greater diffraction, it is important that the size of the obstacle is directly proportional to the wavelength of the source. Suppose a is diffraction and λ is the wavelength a∝λ Hence for diffraction, the size of the obstacle should be in the order of a wavelength due to the wave nature of light.

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About Optics

Light is studied through reflection, refraction, dispersion, interference, diffraction and polarization, linking ray behavior with its wave nature. Questions may involve mirrors, lenses, optical instruments, refractive index and image formation, while geometrical optics deals with rays and wave optics explains effects such as interference and diffraction.

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