Diffraction Teacher Resources

In this waves worksheet, learners define 23 vocabulary words associated with the different types of waves and how waves are measured. Students complete 23 matching terms with definitions and draw the superposition of two waves shown.

Students describe the properties of solids and liquids, and explain how a semiconductor works.  In this atom lesson students demonstrate the bonding properties of carbon and silicon.

Students make a spectroscope out of simple materials and are expected to view as many different light sources as possible to see the whole spectrum.

Students using a spectroscope view different substances when heated with electricity.

Pupils conduct a close examination of the atom's electrons, and discover how to theorize the energy levels, observe the brightness of light, classify colors, and measure temperature.

Students calculate the Balmer series. In this physics lesson, students observe hydrogen lamp spectra using spectrometers. They calculate wavelength and compare them with their theoretical calculations.

Eleventh graders investigate the nature of light. In this physics instructional activity, 11th graders determine how light intensity varies with the distance of the light source.

Pupils experience a model that produces, separating, and displaying spectral colors.

Students use two methods to show and study the colors in the visible spectrum.

Students construct a simple spectroscope. They observe the emission spectrum produce by a source of light.

Students demonstrate how individual pieces of data combine to produce complete images.

Students will discuss the de Brogile Hypothesis and state the circumstances under which the wave nature of matter is observed. They will also calculate the wavelengths of matter waves.

Sixth graders continue their examination of light. In groups, they make rainbows and examine the spectrum of visible light. They travel between various stations recording their observations about the behaviors of light. To end the...

Young scholars are introduced to the topic of biotechnology. Using the internet, they research issues that have been improved or brought about because of biotechnology advancements. In groups, they participate in activities in which...

Students observe an activity with Jell-O to learn about optics.  In this investigative instructional activity students fill out a handout on the activity that helps them to investigate the index of refraction and the speed of...

This physics department site provides links about the diffraction of light. Each page includes thorough explanations and meaningful graphics. Some pages include interactive problem-solving practice sections.

[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] Students investigate diffraction of light and the interference patterns that are produced through constructive and destructive interference of the waves. Students...

[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] Students investigate diffraction of light and the interference patterns that are produced through constructive and destructive interference of the waves. Students...

Physiclips thoroughly presents the concept of diffraction with animations and film clips.

In the following video, Paul Andersen explains how waves will diffract (or bend) around an obstacle or while traveling through an opening. Diffraction will be maximized when the size of the opening or obstacle matches the wavelength. [4:20]

Paul Andersen explains how diffraction can be affected by the size of the wavelength. When waves pass through an opening or move around an obstacle, a shadow region is created. The size of the shadow zone will decrease as the wavelength...

An interactive resource on diffraction, interference and superposition with descriptions, animations, and questions.

In this illustrated physics tutorial, students learn about sound wave behaviors and apply them to the reflection, diffraction, and refraction of sound waves.

Simulation that shows the diffraction of light through single or multiple slits. Simulation allows modification of the number of slits, slit width, slit separation, and the wavelength.