The bending of light about corners of an obstacle is called

Options

A. reflection
B. diffraction
C. refraction
D. interference

Explanation

**Step-by-Step Text Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Question**: The question asks about the phenomenon where light bends around the corners of an obstacle.

2. **Identifying the Phenomenon**: The bending of light around obstacles is known as diffraction.

3. **Historical Context**: This phenomenon was first observed by the Italian scientist Grimaldi in the year 1660.

4. **Explanation of the Concept**: Light typically travels in straight lines. However, when it encounters an obstacle with an opening, instead of just illuminating the area directly in line with the light source, it spreads out and creates a larger illuminated area.

5. **Illustration of the Concept**: Imagine a screen with a small opening. If light rays travel straight, we would expect only the area directly in front of the opening to be bright. However, due to diffraction, the bright area is larger than expected, indicating that light is bending around the edges of the obstacle.

6. **Conclusion**: The bending of light around corners and obstacles is a clear demonstration of the wave nature of light, and this phenomenon is specifically called diffraction.