Question 76409 • Fall 24 GSE Physical Science B IC
How are refraction and diffraction similar? How are they different? Check all that apply.Refraction and diffraction both involve the bending of waves.Refraction and diffraction both involve the bending of waves through a medium.Refraction and diffraction both involve the bending of waves around objects.Refraction involves the bending of waves through a medium, and diffraction involves the bending of waves around an object.Refraction involves the bending of waves around an object, and diffraction involves the bending of waves through a medium.
Answer
A
Refraction and diffraction both involve the bending of waves.
B
Refraction and diffraction both involve the bending of waves through a medium.
C
Refraction and diffraction both involve the bending of waves around objects.
D
Refraction involves the bending of waves through a medium, and diffraction involves the bending of waves around an object.
E
Refraction involves the bending of waves around an object, and diffraction involves the bending of waves through a medium.
Explanation
Both refraction and diffraction change a wave’s direction, so both involve bending. Refraction occurs when a wave enters a different medium and its speed changes; diffraction is the bending or spreading of a wave around an object or through an opening. Therefore, “both involve the bending of waves” and the statement distinguishing refraction through a medium from diffraction around an object are correct.
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