For ten points, name the phenomenon of waves bending when passing edges of openings.
It makes the sound of thunder from distant lightning low because sound must get past many obstacles and longer wavelengths more easily make it, unlike a close strike's sharp crack. It ruins magnified images if wavelengths employed for viewing are larger than objects seen. The Fresnel type occurs if that scientist's namesake number is greater than one; the Fraunhofer variety is seen if the value is less than one. It happens because Huygen's principle says all points on a wave front are propagation sources, so even the tiniest opening can ruin a soundproof room. For ten points, name the phenomenon of waves bending when passing edges of openings.
It makes the sound of thunder from distant lightning low because sound must get past many obstacles and longer wavelengths more easily make it, unlike a close strike's sharp crack.
{Diffraction}