Question

The waves in a ripple tank are moving toward a barrier gap that is 1/2 the wavelength. A and B are equidistant from the gap. Select the correct statements about the diffraction that occurs.
1. Both A and B will encounter waves.
2. Only A will encounter waves.
3. Only B will encounter waves.
4. Waves will reach B more quickly than A.
5. Waves will reach A more quickly than B.
6. Waves will reach A and B at the same time.

Answer 1

Answer:  The correct statements about the diffraction are 1 and 6.

Explanation:    

Diffraction is the spreading of the wave from the gap in the barrier. If the wavelength increases then the diffraction also increases or it decreases with decrease in wavelength.

In the given problem, the waves in a ripple tank are moving toward a barrier gap that is 1/2 the wavelength. A and B are equidistant from the gap.

In the case of the waves in a ripple tank case, the diffraction is observed when the barrier is placed in a ripple tank. The path of water waves are observed when the they encounter the obstacles.  

The waves transmit energy in all direction then the waves will reach A and B at the same time.

Therefore, both A and B will encounter waves. Waves will reach A and B at the same time.

Answer 2

Diffraction is the spreading of a wave from a gap.

The statements that are true about diffraction in the case above are;

1. Both A and B will encounter waves. and
6. Waves will reach A and B at the same time.