Diffraction

Definition

Diffraction is the bending and spreading of light waves around obstacles or through small openings. It affects the resolution and clarity of images in microscopy.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Diffraction limits the resolving power of optical microscopes, making it difficult to see very small structures clearly.
2. The extent of diffraction depends on the wavelength of light; shorter wavelengths cause less diffraction.
3. Diffraction patterns can be observed when light passes through a slit comparable to its wavelength.
4. In microbiology, understanding diffraction is crucial for interpreting electron and light microscope images accurately.
5. Techniques like X-ray crystallography rely on diffraction to determine the structure of macromolecules.

Review Questions

Related terms

Resolution:

The ability of a microscope to distinguish two close objects as separate entities.

Wavelength:

The distance between successive peaks or troughs in a wave, affecting its energy and behavior.

Electron Microscope: A type of microscope that uses beams of electrons instead of light to achieve higher resolution images.