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AP Physics 2: Algebra-Based Practice Quiz: Diffraction

Written by AP Content Team, Verified for 2026 AP Exams, Last updated: May 2026

Test your understanding with short quizzes. This quiz has 9 questions to check your progress.

Question 1 of 9

What is the term for the spreading of a wave as it passes through an opening or around the edges of an obstacle?

All Questions (9)

What is the term for the spreading of a wave as it passes through an opening or around the edges of an obstacle?

A) Refraction

B) Reflection

C) Diffraction

D) Polarization

Correct Answer: C

Based on the provided content, 'Diffraction is the spreading of a wave around the edges of an obstacle or through an opening.'

Under which of the following conditions is the diffraction of a wave most pronounced?

A) When the wavelength is much larger than the size of the opening.

B) When the wavelength is much smaller than the size of the opening.

C) When the wavelength is comparable to the size of the opening.

D) When the wave's amplitude is at its maximum.

Correct Answer: C

The provided text explicitly states that 'Diffraction is most pronounced when the size of the opening is comparable to the wavelength of the wave.'

When a wave passes through a single opening, what is the resulting phenomenon observed on the other side?

A) A single, focused point of energy.

B) A diffraction pattern.

C) A complete stoppage of the wave.

D) A change in the wave's frequency.

Correct Answer: B

The content describes the behavior of a wave passing through a single opening as resulting in a 'diffraction pattern.'

A sound wave with a wavelength of 1 meter travels towards a doorway that is 1.2 meters wide. Which statement best describes the behavior of the sound wave after passing through the doorway?

A) The sound wave will continue in a straight line with almost no spreading.

B) The sound wave will be completely reflected by the doorway.

C) The sound wave will spread out significantly into the room.

D) The sound wave's wavelength will decrease.

Correct Answer: C

Since the wavelength (1 m) is comparable to the size of the opening (1.2 m), diffraction will be most pronounced, causing the wave to spread out significantly.

An experimenter observes a very clear and widespread diffraction pattern after a light wave passes through a slit. What can be inferred about the relationship between the light's wavelength (λ) and the slit's width (w)?

A) λ is much greater than w (λ >> w).

B) λ is much less than w (λ << w).

C) λ is approximately equal to w (λ ≈ w).

D) The relationship cannot be determined from the observation.

Correct Answer: C

A clear and widespread (pronounced) diffraction pattern occurs when the condition for maximum diffraction is met, which is when the wavelength is comparable to the size of the opening.

Visible light has a very small wavelength (approx. 400-700 nm). Why do we not typically observe significant diffraction of light when it passes through a large window?

A) Because the window glass absorbs most of the light.

B) Because the size of the window is vastly larger than the wavelength of light.

C) Because light does not behave as a wave in this scenario.

D) Because diffraction only occurs with sound waves, not light waves.

Correct Answer: B

Diffraction is most pronounced when the opening size is comparable to the wavelength. A large window is many orders of magnitude larger than the wavelength of visible light, so the diffraction effect is negligible.

The bending of a wave as it moves around an obstacle is a key characteristic of:

A) Refraction

B) Interference

C) The Doppler effect

D) Diffraction

Correct Answer: D

The provided content defines diffraction as the spreading (or bending) of a wave around the edges of an obstacle.

To increase the amount of diffraction observed as a wave passes through a single opening, one should:

A) Decrease the wavelength while keeping the opening size constant.

B) Increase the opening size while keeping the wavelength constant.

C) Adjust the opening size to be closer to the wavelength.

D) Increase the frequency of the wave.

Correct Answer: C

The condition for the most pronounced diffraction is that the opening size is comparable to the wavelength. Therefore, adjusting the opening size to better match the wavelength will increase the observed diffraction.

The behavior of a wave spreading out after it passes through a narrow aperture is described as:

A) Diffraction

B) Reflection

C) Dispersion

D) Attenuation

Correct Answer: A

This is a direct application of the definition of diffraction: 'the spreading of a wave...through an opening.'