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Diffraction Stephanie posted on 2017-01-22 20:19:39 |
Why can you hear around corners, but not see around them? |
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Replied by Amanda on 2017-01-22 20:23:33 |
Looking at the single-slit diffraction formula: a*sin(theta) = m * lambda, we know that the angle of diffraction is proportional to the wavelength of the source. Since the wavelength of sound is longer/greater than the wavelength of light, the angle of diffraction will also be greater. Therefore, sound diffracts/spreads/bends more around the corner than light, enough so that we can hear around corners. |