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Diffraction is the bending of waves around an obstacle, while interference is the meeting of two waves. For instance, diffraction is what results from a pinhole blocking a wave source, the wave spreads out from that one point. This effect is what creates shadows, regions where the light source is blocked but it is not completely dark. Interference, however, results from two waves colliding with one another undergoing constructive and destructive interference, as in two chords being played. I think the confusion concerning these two different phenomena is the fact that two pinholes, two diffraction sources, results in interference of two sources, which is what the diffraction grating is, which creates the characteristic bands of light and dark interference patterns.

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Q: What is the difference between diffraction and interference?
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Related questions

Is there no difference between diffraction and interference?

INTERFERENCE IS THE MODIFICATION IN THE DISRIBUTION OF LIGHT DUE TO THE SUPERPOSITION OF TWO OR MORE LIGHT WAVES DIFFRACTION IS THE BENDING OF LIGHT WAVES ACROSS THE EDGES OF AN OBSTACLE AND THEIR ENCROACHMENT INTO THEIR GEOMETRICAL SHADOW


Is interference a special case of diffraction or diffraction is a special case of interference?

neither is the case since diffraction involves the bending of waves upon contact or lack thereof of a physical boundary. a double slit experiment works on the basis of diffraction and also forms a distinctive interference pattern so in this case the two are related and the diffraction causes the interference but isn't necessarily a case of interference.


Explan Difference between diffraction and interference?

Diffraction is the bending of waves around an obstacle, while interference is the meeting of two waves. For instance, diffraction is what results from a pinhole blocking a wave source, the wave spreads out from that one point. This effect is what creates shadows, regions where the light source is blocked but it is not completely dark. Interference, however, results from two waves colliding with one another undergoing constructive and destructive interference, as in two chords being played. I think the confusion concerning these two different phenomena is the fact that two pinholes, two diffraction sources, results in interference of two sources, which is what the diffraction grating is, which creates the characteristic bands of light and dark interference patterns.


What happens in diffraction?

Diffraction is the process of how a beam of light is spread out when passing through a narrow space or edge. There is usually interference between the wave forms.


What is the difference between diffraction and diffusion?

Diffraction is the spreading of waves that pass through a narrow opening or move past an obstacle ,whereas, interference is the phenomenon of redistribution of light in a medium as a result of light waves from two coherent sources.


What is the similarities between diffraction and interference?

They both work to stop things. You can diffract something to make something not happen or with interference it is slowed down.


How is interference used in music?

It is used by diffraction


Is polarization similar to refraction interference or diffraction?

none of the above


Is diffraction pattern itself is due to the interference of light?

Yes.


Difference between x ray diffraction and neutron diffraction?

X-ray diffraction is based on photons which are massless particles; neutron diffraction is based neutrons which possess mass and about 1000 heavier than electrons.


Does the phenomena interference and diffraction violate the law of conservation of energy?

yes


What behavior of light is evidence for wave model of light?

Interference, diffraction.