Light travelling through a small pinhole usually does not make a shadow with a distinct sharp edge because of

Assessment: WAEC SSCE - Physics - 2009 (Objective) Subject: Physics

Question 1 Report

Light travelling through a small pinhole usually does not make a shadow with a distinct sharp edge because of
Answer Details
The phenomenon that causes light travelling through a small pinhole to not make a shadow with a distinct sharp edge is called diffraction. Diffraction is the bending of waves around an obstacle or through an opening. When light waves pass through a small pinhole, they bend and spread out after passing through the hole. As a result, the edges of the shadow become blurred, and a distinct sharp edge cannot be seen. This effect is also observed when sound waves pass through small openings, such as in the case of musical instruments. Therefore, the correct option is "diffraction".

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