Question

The optical phenomenon which Newton's theory of light failed to explain is:

• A. Interference
• B. Polarization
• C. Diffraction
• D. All the above three

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

Diffraction

Diffraction is the slight bending of light as it passes around the edge of an object. The amount of bending depends on the relative size of the wavelength of light to the size of the opening. If the opening is much larger than the light's wavelength, the bending will be almost unnoticeable. However, if the two are closer in size or equal, the amount of bending is considerable.