Exam-style question
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How does refraction differ from diffraction?.
- A.Refraction involves bending at a boundary, while diffraction involves bending around obstacles.
- B.Refraction occurs only with sound waves, while diffraction occurs with all types of waves.
- C.Refraction results in interference patterns, while diffraction does not.
- D.Refraction requires a medium change, while diffraction does not.
Model answer
What a good answer should say
- Refraction involves bending at a boundary, while diffraction involves bending around obstacles.
Explanation
Why this works
Refraction is defined as the change in direction of waves as they pass from one medium to another, which occurs due to a change in wave speed at the boundary. In contrast, diffraction is the bending of waves around obstacles or through openings.
Refraction applies when waves transition between different media, while diffraction applies when waves encounter obstacles or slits. Thus, the key difference lies in the context of wave interaction: refraction occurs at boundaries, whereas diffraction occurs around obstacles.
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