Plane waves through a narrow gap emerge as circular waves. This phenomenon is known as
Answer Details
The phenomenon where plane waves, such as those produced by a small gap, spread out and form circular waves is known as diffraction. Diffraction occurs when a wave passes through an opening or obstacle that is comparable in size to its wavelength. The waves spread out in all directions after passing through the gap, and their shape becomes more circular as they move further away from the gap.
Interference is the phenomenon where two or more waves combine to form a resultant wave, which can be constructive or destructive. Dispersion is the process where different wavelengths of light bend at different angles when passing through a medium, resulting in a separation of colors. Refraction is the bending of waves when they pass from one medium to another due to a change in their speed.