Which term refers to the bending of light rays when they encounter the edge of a barrier?A interferenceB reflectionC refractionD diffraction

Break Down the Problem

1. Identify the key concept related to the bending of light rays.
2. Analyze the provided options to determine which one correctly describes the phenomenon.

Relevant Concepts

• Interference: The phenomenon that occurs when two waves meet while traveling along the same medium.
• Reflection: The bouncing back of light rays when they hit a barrier.
• Refraction: The bending of light rays as they pass from one medium to another.
• Diffraction: The bending and spreading of waves around obstacles and openings.

Analysis and Detail

• Option A (Interference) does not relate to the bending of light at a barrier but rather to the superposition of waves.
• Option B (Reflection) describes light bouncing off surfaces but not the bending occurring at an edge.
• Option C (Refraction) describes the bending of light as it passes into different mediums but is not specifically about edges.
• Option D (Diffraction) accurately refers to the bending of light waves when they encounter obstacles such as edges.

Verify and Summarize

The phenomenon of light bending around edges is best explained by diffraction rather than the other options.

Final Answer

The correct term is D: diffraction.