Which of the following best describes the phenomenon of $diffraction$?

• A. $Diffraction$ is the change in frequency of a wave due to motion of the source.
• B. $Diffraction$ is the bending of waves around obstacles or through openings.
• C. $Diffraction$ only occurs with sound waves, not with light waves.
• D. $Diffraction$ occurs only when waves are reflected from a surface.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that diffraction is a wave phenomenon related to how waves behave when they encounter obstacles or openings.
2. Recall that diffraction involves the bending and spreading of waves as they pass around edges or through narrow slits.
3. Recognize that diffraction is not about changes in frequency; changes in frequency due to motion relate to the Doppler effect, which is a different phenomenon.
4. Note that diffraction occurs with all types of waves, including sound, light, and water waves, so it is not limited to sound waves only.
5. Conclude that diffraction is best described as the bending of waves around obstacles or through openings, rather than reflection or frequency change.