Wave properties of electrons and diffraction

[Melody Haratian 2J]

Hi everyone!
In the audio visual about the wave properties of electrons, diffraction is mentioned multiple times. I’m a little confused about what diffraction means. What is diffraction and how does it relate to the properties of electrons?
Thank you!

[Cass Cheng 2A]

electrons can act as a wave, which can then be diffracted like light. Diffraction is essentially when the wave encounters an object in its path and it bends around the object. This is a super basic introduction, but I hope this helped a bit!

[Madison Wong 3H]

Yes, I think diffraction also has to do with the interference of waves- constructive and destructively. From the interaction of waves comes the same properties of waves from electrons, which encourages the idea of electrons having particle like and wavelike qualities!

[Samuel Flores 1E]

As mentioned above, diffraction occurs because of the constructive and destructive interference of two waves. In constructive interference, the amplitude of the 2 interaction waves are additive, while in destructive interference, the amplitude of the combined wave is cancel each other out partially, leaving a smaller amplitude.
One concept that I'll add is that we know electrons have wave-like properties because of its diffraction pattern, which essentially results because of these constructive and destructive interference of waves.

Hope this helps!