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Difference Between Diffraction and Interference, Types, Examples

Improve your understanding by knowing the Difference Between Diffraction and Interference with real life examples and improve the chance of securing good marks in NEET exam.
authorImagePraveen Kushwah27 May, 2025
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between diffraction and interference

Difference Between Diffraction and Interference : When light streams through a narrow opening in a dimly lit room, it frequently appears as though multiple light beams are coming from it. This is because light diffracted into multiple colors as it passes through the slit. However, what exactly is diffraction and how is it different from interference? In this article, we will discuss the differences between diffraction and interference, and provide examples of each phenomenon.

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What is Diffraction?

Diffraction is a phenomenon that occurs when a wave encounters an obstacle or passes through an aperture, causing the wave to bend around the edges of the obstacle or aperture. This bending of waves is a characteristic behavior observed in various types of waves, including light, sound, and water waves. Diffraction is distinct from other wave phenomena such as reflection and refraction, as it involves the spreading or bending of waves around obstacles without changing the direction of propagation.

Types of Diffraction

Diffraction can be categorized into several types based on the specific conditions and characteristics of the wave interactions. There are two major types of diffraction from the NEET syllabus point of view.
Fraunhofer Diffraction : It Occurs when a wave encounters a diffracting aperture or slit and is observed in the far-field region, it is called the Fraunhofer region. Its patterns are mathematically described and can be analyzed using Fourier transforms.
Fresnel Diffraction : It takes place when a wave encounters a diffracting object or aperture and is observed in the near-field region, it is called the Fresnel region. Its patterns are more complex than Fraunhofer diffraction patterns and require a different mathematical treatment.

What is Interference?

Interference refers to the phenomenon where two or more waves combine to form a resultant wave, resulting in changes to the amplitude, frequency, or phase of the original waves. This interaction can occur when waves of the same or different frequencies overlap in space and time.

Types of Interference

Interference can be categorized into two main types, constructive interference and destructive interference.
Constructive Interference: It occurs when waves combine to reinforce each other. The resulting wave has an amplitude that is greater than that of the individual waves. It occurs when the peaks of two or more waves coincide, leading to an additive effect.
Destructive Interference: It occurs when waves combine to cancel each other out. The resulting wave has an amplitude that is less than that of the individual waves. Destructive interference occurs when the peak of one wave coincides with the trough of another, leading to a subtractive effect. Interference is a fundamental concept in physics, especially in the study of wave phenomena such as light waves, sound waves, and electromagnetic waves. It plays a crucial role in various fields, including optics, acoustics, and telecommunications. Understanding interference is essential for explaining the behavior of waves and for designing devices that utilize wave properties.

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Difference Between Diffraction and Interference

Here in the table, we will see the real difference between Diffraction and Interference based on the various parameters.
Difference Between Diffraction and Interference
Parameters Diffraction Interference
Definition Bending of waves around obstacles or edges. Overlapping of waves to create patterns.
Source of Waves Single or multiple sources of coherent waves. Multiple coherent sources of waves.
Nature of Phenomenon A widespread phenomenon that occurs in various scenarios. Predominantly observed when waves interact.
Pattern Formation No specific pattern; exhibits bending and spreading. Forms clear interference patterns like fringes.
Origin of Effect Arises due to the wave nature of light or other waves. Arises from the superposition of waves.
Examples Diffraction grating, single-slit diffraction. Double-slit interference, thin-film interference.
Conditions for Occurrence Occurs when the size of the obstacle or slit is comparable to the wavelength. Requires two or more coherent sources of waves.
Applications Relevant in fields like optics and acoustics. Widely used in optics, especially in the study of light.

Examples of Diffraction

However, there are so many examples of Diffraction in our real-life world but here we will see two examples to make you understand the topic.
Single-Slit Diffraction in Optics:  When light passes through a narrow slit or aperture, single-slit diffraction occurs. This is a classic example in optics, where a coherent light source, such as a laser, is directed through a single slit. The resulting diffraction pattern consists of a central bright maximum by alternating dark and bright fringes. The phenomenon is observable when light encounters obstacles or openings comparable in size to the wavelength of the light.
Water Wave Diffraction:  Diffraction is not limited to electromagnetic waves; it also occurs with water waves. When water waves encounter a barrier with an opening, they diffract around the edges of the barrier. This is observable in natural settings, such as when waves pass through gaps in a breakwater or around the edges of a pier. The bending of water waves around obstacles demonstrates diffraction in a fluid medium.

Examples of Interference

The interference can be understood by the two examples provided below:
Double-Slit Interference in Optics: A classic example of interference is the double-slit experiment in optics. When light passes through two closely spaced slits, interference occurs as waves emanating from each slit superpose. This results in an interference pattern on a screen placed behind the slits, characterized by alternating dark and bright fringes. The interference pattern is a manifestation of constructive and destructive interference between the waves. 
Acoustic Interference in Music: Interference is not confined to optics; it occurs in various wave phenomena, including sound. In music, when two sound waves with similar frequencies overlap, they can interfere constructively or destructively. This is particularly evident in situations where sound waves reflect off surfaces or when multiple sources emit sound. Musicians and audio engineers often consider interference effects when setting up sound systems or tuning musical instruments to optimize the auditory experience.
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Difference Between Diffraction and Interference FAQs

What is the primary difference between diffraction and interference in wave phenomena?

Diffraction involves the bending of waves around obstacles, while interference is the overlapping of waves to create distinct patterns.

How does the source of waves differ in diffraction and interference?

Diffraction can occur with single or multiple sources of coherent waves, whereas interference requires multiple coherent sources of waves.

Are there specific patterns formed in diffraction and interference?

Diffraction exhibits bending and spreading without clear patterns, while interference forms distinct patterns like fringes.

What conditions lead to the occurrence of diffraction and interference?

Diffraction occurs when the size of the obstacle or slit is comparable to the wavelength, and interference requires two or more coherent sources of waves.

In which fields are diffraction and interference phenomena applied?

Diffraction is relevant in fields like optics and acoustics, while interference is widely used in optics, especially in the study of light.
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