Which statement best explains how light bends during $diffraction$?

• A. Light bends during $diffraction$ because photons are attracted to the edges of the opening, causing them to change direction.
• B. When light passes through a narrow opening or around an obstacle, it spreads out due to the wave nature of light, causing the light to bend into the region of geometric shadow.
• C. $Diffraction$ occurs because the speed of light increases as it passes through a narrow slit, causing the light to bend.
• D. Light bends during $diffraction$ only if the $wavelength$ is much larger than the size of the opening.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that diffraction is a phenomenon related to the wave nature of light, where light bends around edges or spreads out after passing through narrow openings.
2. Recognize that light bending during diffraction is not due to photons being attracted to edges or changes in the speed of light, but rather due to the interference of wavefronts spreading out.
3. Recall that when light passes through a slit comparable in size to its wavelength, the wavefronts spread out into the region behind the obstacle or opening, causing the bending effect.
4. Note that this spreading causes light to enter regions that would be shadowed if light behaved purely like rays, demonstrating the wave property of light.
5. Conclude that the best explanation is that light bends during diffraction because it spreads out due to its wave nature when passing through narrow openings or around obstacles.