What affects the amount of diffraction experienced by a wave?

The amount of diffraction experienced by a wave is primarily influenced by the wavelength of the wave in relation to the size of the opening or obstacle it encounters. Diffraction occurs when a wave bends around the edges of an obstacle or spreads out after passing through an opening.

Wavelength is a key factor because longer wavelengths can diffract more than shorter wavelengths. For instance, if the size of the obstacle or aperture is similar to the wavelength, significant diffraction occurs, causing the wave to spread out widely. Conversely, if the wavelength is much shorter than the opening or obstacle, the diffraction is less noticeable, and the wave tends to propagate in a straight line, much like light passing through a large aperture.

This relationship highlights the importance of wavelength in determining the behavior of waves when they encounter various mediums or barriers, making it the correct factor affecting the degree of diffraction.