Refraction and diffraction similarities8/17/2023 Diffraction possesses poor contrast between maxima and minima while interference exhibits good contrast between maxima and minima.The width of the fringes in case of diffraction is not equal while the fringe width in case of interference is equal.While interference is the result of the interaction of light coming from two separate wavefronts. Diffraction is the result of light propagation from distinct part of the same wavefront.Key Differences Between Diffraction and Interference The figure below represents destructive interference: The amplitude of the two waves will be added but as the two are in opposite phase thus the two cancels each other. Destructive Interference: If the two superposing waves have the same amplitude but are of opposite phase then the intensity of the resultant wave will be lesser than the two separate waves. The figure below shows constructive interference of waves:Ģ. Such interference is called constructive interference. More specifically the amplitude of the resultant wave will be twice the amplitude of the waves that re going to be superposed. Constructive Interference: When the two superposing waves are of the same amplitude and phase then the intensity of the resultant wave will be higher than the two separate waves. So, on the basis of this, interference is classified into two categories:ġ. It is to be noted here that the intensity of the resultant wave relies on the amplitude and phase relation of the two-component waves. Thus the superposition of the waves gives algebraic addition of the disturbances due to separate waves. So, two waves that are coherent in nature superpose each other when they cross each other. We know coherent sources provide a light wave of the same frequency and constant phase difference. Interference is the act of superposition of two or more light waves emitted by two coherent sources travelling in the same medium. The maxima in the pattern represent the bright region while the minima show the dark region over the screen. The figure below shows the pattern for wave diffraction: The figure below shows the process of diffraction of lightwave: But for the very small dimension of the slit, the opening acts as a separate source and thus allows the spreading of the wave over the entire surface after the slit. While in case of smaller opening the bending is quite noticeable. Remains unchanged after getting superposed.ĭiffraction is the phenomenon of spreading of the light wave when it passes through a slit or any small gap.īut it is noteworthy here that the wavelength of the wave must be comparable with the dimensions of the slit.Īs in the case of the large opening, the light wave will not bend at the edges. Occurs due to superposition of light waves from two sources. Occurs due to superposition of secondary wavelets. In this session, we will discuss some other parameters that distinguish the two. Another important difference between the two is that the intensity of all the bright fringes is not the same in the case of diffraction however it is same in case of interference.
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