Diffraction
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Diffraction is the deviation of waves from straight-line propagation due to an obstacle or through an aperture, without any change in their energy. Diffraction is the same physical effect as interfere
The diffraction pattern (Airy disc) of a red laser beam projected onto a plate after passing through a small circular aperture in another plate
Single-slit diffraction in a circular ripple tank
Diffraction pattern from a square aperture
Optical diffraction pattern
Refraction
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In physics, refraction is the redirection of a wave as it passes from one medium to another. The redirection can be caused by the wave's change in speed or by a change in the medium. Refraction of lig
Diffraction
…corona, glory requires the particles to be transparent spheres (like fog droplets), since the backscattering of the light that forms the glory involves refraction and internal reflection within the droplet. Another frequently encountered example is diffraction spikes which are caused by a range of processes…
A pen partially submerged in a bowl of water appears bent due to refraction at the water surface.
Rainbows are formed by dispersion of light, in which the refraction angle depends on the light's frequency.
An image of the Golden Gate Bridge is refracted and bent by many differing three-dimensional drops of water.
The sun appears slightly flattened when close to the horizon due to refraction in the atmosphere.