Wave Optics - SS1 Physics Past Questions and Answers - page 3

Diffraction of light waves refers to the bending of light as it passes through an opening or around an obstacle. It occurs when the size of the opening or obstacle is comparable to or smaller than the wavelength of light. As light waves encounter the edges of the opening or obstacle, they spread out and interfere with each other, creating a pattern of bright and dark regions. The extent of diffraction depends on the wavelength of light and the size of the opening or obstacle. Smaller wavelengths and larger openings or obstacles result in less pronounced diffraction, while larger wavelengths and smaller openings or obstacles lead to more significant diffraction.

Diffraction and interference are both phenomena associated with the behaviour of light waves. Diffraction occurs when light waves encounter an opening or an obstacle and spread out, resulting in a bending or bending around the edges. Interference, on the other hand, occurs when two or more light waves superpose and combine, leading to reinforcement or cancellation of the waves. While diffraction involves the bending of light waves, interference involves the interaction of multiple light waves. However, there is a close relationship between diffraction and interference because diffraction is necessary for interference to occur. Diffraction allows light waves to interfere with each other, leading to the formation of interference patterns. In essence, both diffraction and interference demonstrate the wave nature of light and the phenomena resulting from the superposition of light waves.