Which phenomenon describes the bending of radio waves around obstacles?

Which phenomenon describes the bending of radio waves around obstacles?

• A. Reflection
• B. Diffraction
• C. Attenuation
• D. Refraction

Answer: (B)

Diffraction is the bending of radio waves around obstacles or through openings. When a wave encounters an edge or passes through a gap, the edge acts as a new source of secondary waves, causing the wavefront to bend into the shadow region and spread beyond the obstacle. This explains why radio signals can reach around corners or past buildings, especially when the obstacle's size is similar to the wavelength. Reflection involves bouncing off surfaces, refraction is bending due to a change in medium, and attenuation is loss of signal strength, so diffraction best describes the bending around obstacles.

Diffraction is the bending of radio waves around obstacles or through openings. When a wave encounters an edge or passes through a gap, the edge acts as a new source of secondary waves, causing the wavefront to bend into the shadow region and spread beyond the obstacle. This explains why radio signals can reach around corners or past buildings, especially when the obstacle's size is similar to the wavelength. Reflection involves bouncing off surfaces, refraction is bending due to a change in medium, and attenuation is loss of signal strength, so diffraction best describes the bending around obstacles.