A student is given an assignment to demonstrate diffraction. He takes a photograph of a straw in a glass of water. The straw appears bent at the water level. Which best describes this example?

Question

Responses
A This is a good example of diffraction.This is a good example of diffraction.
B This is an example of dispersion and not diffraction.This is an example of dispersion and not diffraction.
C This is an example of refraction and not diffraction.This is an example of refraction and not diffraction.
D This is an example of reflection and not diffraction.

Answer 1

C This is an example of refraction and not diffraction.

The bending of the straw appears to occur because of the change in light's speed as it passes from air into water, which is a phenomenon known as refraction. Diffraction, on the other hand, involves the bending of waves around obstacles or openings, which is not the principle at play in this situation.