Difference between interference and diffraction

Interference

1.) It is due to the superposition of two or more than two wavefronts coming from coherent sources.

2.) The intensity of all bright fringes are same

3.) Interference fringes either of the same size or decrease after moving away from the center.

4.) Dark fringes are usually perfectly dark.

5.) A minimum coherent source is needed.

Diffraction:

1.) It occurs due to secondary wavelets, originating from infinite different points of the same wavefronts.

2.) Central maxima of bright fringe is followed by either side maxima of decreasing intensity.

3.) Interference fringes are never of the same shape and size.

4.) Dark fringes are not perfectly dark.

5.) It is possible by either one or more than one source which need not be coherent.

Popular Posts