Question

The main difference in the phenomenon of interference and diffraction in light waves is that
1. Diffraction is due to interaction of light from the same wave-front whereas interference is the interaction of waves from two isolated sources
2. Diffraction is due to interaction of light from same wavefront, whereas the interference is the interaction of two waves derived from the same source
3. Diffraction is due to interaction of waves derived from the same source, whereas the interference is the bending of light from the same wavefront
4. Diffraction is caused by reflected waves from a source whereas interference is caused due to refraction of waves from a surface

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 2 : Diffraction is due to interaction of light from same wavefront, whereas the interference is the interaction of two waves derived from the same source

CONCEPT:

Difference between Diffraction and Interference
Interference	Diffraction
Interference may be defined as waves emerging from two different sources, producing different wavefronts.	Diffraction, on the other hand, can be termed as secondary waves that emerge from the different parts of the same wave.
The intensity of all the points on maxima is of similar intensity in interference.	In diffraction, there is a variance of the intensity of positions.
It is absolutely dark in the region of minimum intensity, in the case of interference.	We see a variance in the intensity of interference in diffraction.
The width of the fringes is equal in interference.	The width of the fringes is not equal in interference.

EXPLANATION:

• By the above explanation, it is clear that diffraction is due to the interaction of light from the same wavefront, whereas interference is the interaction of two waves derived from the same source.
• Hence, option 2 is correct.