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Diffraction and polarisation
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What diffraction means

What diffraction means

Comparison of wavefronts at a narrow gap and a wide gap, showing strong spreading when gap width is similar to wavelength and weak spreading when the gap is much wider Diffraction is the spreading of waves after they pass through a gap or around an obstacle. The amount of spreading depends on how the gap width aaa compares with the wavelength λ\lambdaλ.

Diffraction and polarisation Lesson

  1. A Level
  2. /Physics
  3. /Diffraction and polarisation

Step-by-step lessons on Edexcel A Level Physics Diffraction and polarisation. Each one builds up to exam-style questions. Physics is one of the most mathematically demanding A Levels -- at least 40% of the marks across the three papers require maths skills at Level 2 (GCSE) standard or above, so build calculation and graph-handling fluency alongside the conceptual content from the start.

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