A wave is approaching a barrier that has a small hole at the center. Which describes the change in the wave as it encounters the barrier?

A. The wave will slow down

B. The wave will bend or defract

C. The wave will bounce in the opposite direction, or reflact.

D. The wave will increase its speed

The answer is

B. The wave will bend or defract

Answer: The correct answer is "The wave will bend or defract".

Explanation:

Diffraction: It is the phenomenon in which the light gets bend around the corner of the aperture or a slit. There is a spreading of the waves as they pass through an aperture.

The wavelength of the wave is comparable or greater than the size of the aperture to observe diffraction. If the wavelength of the wave is not comparable or greater than the size of the aperture then in this case, the diffraction is unnoticeable.

In the given problem, a wave is approaching a barrier that has a small hole at the center. A small hole is aperture here. The wave will bend or defract. The diffraction phenomenon will occur in this case.

Therefore, the correct option is (B).