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Difference between Interference and Diffraction: This article covers an important topic from Class 12 Physics. As we all know, Physics is one of the toughest subjects in Class 12. With the vast amount of syllabus, it covers several topics that are difficult for students to understand. Thus, to help you we are going to bring you a series of important concepts of Class 12 Physics. Here, we are going to talk about the differences between interference and diffraction. Wave Optics of Class 12 Physics covers this topic in detail. Before talking about the concept, let us first understand what interference and diffraction stands for.
Definition of Interference
Interference is defined as “The phenomenon in which two or more waves superpose to form a resultant wave of greater, lower, or the same amplitude”. To simplify it, interference is the phenomenon of waves produced when two waves meet each other. When these waves overlap each other, through troughs and peaks, they either add up or cancel each other.
Source: Wikipedia
Definition of Diffraction
Diffraction can be defined as, “The bending of light around corners such that it spreads out and illuminates areas where a shadow is expected”. To explain it simple manner, diffraction is the phenomenon that takes place on the bending of light rays at the edge of the obstacle. Due to diffraction, a single slit is formed which creates a central spot at the center of the screen. The intensity of the light, in this case, becomes indirectly proportional to the distance of the object from the center.
Differences between Interference and Diffraction
Interference and Diffraction are two different phenomena of wave optics. Some of the most important differences between the two have been presented below.
| Interference | Diffraction |
| Interference takes place when two different waves emerge from two different sources. | Diffraction takes place when waves emerge from different parts of the same wave. |
| In interference, wavefronts are produced by the waves. | In diffraction, a central spot is formed at the center of the screen. |
| In interference, the width of the fringes is equal. | In Diffraction, the width of fringes is not equal. |
| Interference sources are called so only if the sources are a maximum of two. | Diffraction sources are called so only if the sources are more than two. |
| The contrast between maxima and minima is good. | The contrast between maxima and minima is not that good. |
| Here, the intensity of fringes is equal. | Here, the intensity of fringes goes on decreasing. |
| More number of fringes. | Fewer number of fringes. |
We hope that this article could clear your concepts of interference and diffraction waves. Given the slight and confusing differences between the two, students always find these concepts difficult to understand. For more such topic-wise concepts of Class 12 Physics, keep tuning in to JagranJosh.
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