What is the main difference between diffraction and interference?
Practice Questions
1 question
Q1
What is the main difference between diffraction and interference?
Diffraction involves multiple sources, interference does not
Interference involves multiple sources, diffraction does not
Diffraction occurs with sound waves only
Interference occurs with light waves only
Interference involves the superposition of waves from multiple sources, while diffraction is the spreading of waves when they encounter an obstacle or aperture.
Questions & Step-by-step Solutions
1 item
Q
Q: What is the main difference between diffraction and interference?
Solution: Interference involves the superposition of waves from multiple sources, while diffraction is the spreading of waves when they encounter an obstacle or aperture.
Steps: 6
Step 1: Understand what waves are. Waves can be sound waves, light waves, or water waves.
Step 2: Learn about interference. Interference happens when two or more waves meet and combine together. This can create areas of higher or lower intensity.
Step 3: Recognize that interference requires multiple sources of waves. For example, two speakers playing music can create interference patterns.
Step 4: Now, learn about diffraction. Diffraction occurs when a wave encounters an obstacle or a small opening (aperture).
Step 5: Notice that diffraction causes the wave to spread out after passing through the obstacle or opening.
Step 6: Compare the two: Interference is about waves combining from different sources, while diffraction is about waves spreading out after hitting something.
