Diffraction occurs more significantly with sound waves compared to light waves primarily due to the difference in their wavelengths. Sound waves typically have longer wavelengths, often ranging from a few millimetres to several metres. This longer wavelength makes them more prone to bending around obstacles and spreading through gaps, a characteristic behaviour of diffraction. On the other hand, light waves have much shorter wavelengths, usually within the range of 400 nm to 700 nm. Due to these shorter wavelengths, light waves do not diffract as noticeably as sound waves. When light encounters small openings or edges, the extent of spreading is minimal, resulting in sharper shadows and less noticeable diffraction patterns. The fundamental principle here is that the more comparable the size of the obstacle or gap is to the wavelength of the wave, the more pronounced the diffraction. Since most everyday objects and openings are much larger than the wavelength of visible light, diffraction of light is less apparent in our daily observations compared to the diffraction of sound.

Diffraction can and does occur in all types of electromagnetic waves, including radio waves. In fact, diffraction is more pronounced in radio waves due to their considerably longer wavelengths compared to visible light. Radio waves can have wavelengths ranging from a few millimetres (millimetre waves) to hundreds of meters (long waves). This wide range of wavelengths allows for significant diffraction, especially when the waves encounter obstacles that are comparable in size to their wavelength. For instance, radio waves can bend around hills, buildings, and other large structures, a phenomenon that is crucial for the transmission of radio signals over long distances and around obstacles. The ability of radio waves to diffract around such obstacles is a key factor in the design and placement of radio transmitters and receivers. The degree of diffraction also varies with the frequency of the radio waves; lower frequencies (which correspond to longer wavelengths) experience more pronounced diffraction. This characteristic is exploited in various applications, such as in long-wave radio broadcasting, where the ability to diffract over and around the Earth's curvature allows signals to be received over much greater distances.

Diffraction imposes a fundamental limit on the resolution of optical instruments such as microscopes and telescopes. This limitation arises because light waves diffract when they pass through the small apertures or around the edges of the lenses and mirrors used in these instruments. The extent of diffraction is dependent on the wavelength of light and the size of the aperture. In optical systems, diffraction causes light waves to spread out, which results in the blurring of the image. This blurring sets a limit on the smallest detail that can be resolved. The resolution limit is typically described by the Rayleigh criterion, which states that two point sources of light are just resolvable when the principal maximum of the diffraction pattern of one image coincides with the first minimum of the other. The smaller the aperture (or the larger the wavelength), the greater the diffraction and the lower the resolution of the image. In telescopes, this limit is often addressed by using larger mirrors or lenses to collect light, thereby reducing the effect of diffraction. In microscopes, using light of shorter wavelengths, such as ultraviolet, can improve resolution, although this is often limited by the transparency of the materials used in lenses.

Diffraction does not noticeably affect our daily perception of objects in visible light due to the relatively small wavelengths of visible light. The wavelengths of visible light range from about 400 nm (violet) to 700 nm (red). These wavelengths are much smaller than most objects and openings we encounter in our daily lives. For diffraction to be noticeable, the size of the obstacles or openings that light encounters should be comparable to its wavelength. Since the everyday objects and apertures we see are much larger than the wavelength of visible light, the light does not diffract significantly. As a result, the light mostly travels in straight lines, and the shadows we see are sharp with well-defined edges. This lack of noticeable diffraction contributes to the clarity and sharpness of the images formed by our eyes. In contrast, waves with longer wavelengths, like sound waves or radio waves, experience more noticeable diffraction in everyday scenarios due to their larger wavelengths relative to common objects and structures.

The principle of diffraction is crucial in the design of sound systems for large venues such as stadiums and concert halls. In these settings, it is important to ensure that sound is evenly distributed throughout the space, reaching all areas clearly and without significant loss of quality. The longer wavelengths of lower frequency sounds (bass) make them more prone to diffraction, allowing them to bend around obstacles and spread out more evenly in a large space. However, higher frequency sounds (treble) with shorter wavelengths diffract less, leading to more directional propagation. To address this, sound engineers use various techniques to enhance the diffusion of higher frequencies. These include strategically placing speakers and sound diffusers to manipulate the direction and spread of sound waves. The shape and materials of the venue are also designed to enhance the natural diffraction and diffusion of sound. For example, curved walls and ceilings can help in evenly dispersing sound waves throughout the venue. Additionally, sound systems may be calibrated to compensate for the differences in how various frequencies diffract, ensuring a balanced and uniform sound experience for the audience. Understanding and applying the principles of diffraction enables sound engineers to create acoustically optimal environments for large-scale audio experiences.