Question

Distinguish between Interference and diffraction.

Answer 1

INTERFERENCE

DIFFRACTION

1. The modification in the intensity when two similar light waves traveling in same direction super impose on each other is called interference. 2. It is produced due to superposition of two waves from two coherent sources. 3. Interference pattern consists of alternate bright and dark band. 4. Interference bright bands are of equal thickness and intensity. 5. Interference dark bands are perfectly dark and of equal thickness.

1. The phenomenon of light waves bending round the corners or obstacles, is called diffraction. 2. It is produced due to the superposition of no. of secondary waves of same sources. 3. Diffraction pattern consists of central bright band bordered by alternate dark and bright band of decreasing intensity. 4. Diffraction bright bands are of unequal thickness and intensity. 5. Diffraction dark bands are of unequal thickness and intensity.