Diffraction pattern

A diffraction pattern occurs when waves, such as light or sound, encounter an obstacle or slit that is comparable in size to their wavelength. This interaction causes the waves to bend and spread out, creating a series of light and dark bands or spots. The pattern results from constructive interference (where waves add together) and destructive interference (where they cancel each other out). Diffraction patterns are important in various fields, including optics and acoustics, as they help scientists understand wave behavior and properties of materials, such as the structure of crystals or the nature of light itself.