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CBSE Class 12-science Answered

Why does light appear to travel in a straight line in spite of its wave nature?
Asked by Topperlearning User | 13 Jun, 2014, 07:29: AM
answered-by-expert Expert Answer

When a portion of a wave is obstructed by an obstacle or aperture, diffraction occurs, which depends upon the size of the obstacle or aperture which in turn is related to the wavelength of the wave. If the aperture or obstacle is large compared with the wavelength, the bending of waves is not noticeable and the wave propagates in the straight line. Since the wavelength of light (4000  to 8000 ) is very small as compared with the size of ordinary object and apertures, diffraction of light is not easily noticeable and hence light appears to travel in a straight line.

 
Answered by | 13 Jun, 2014, 09:29: AM

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