Difference between Refraction and Diffraction
Some of the key differences between refraction and diffraction are given below.
Refraction vs. Diffraction |
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Aspect | Refraction | Diffraction |
Definition | Refraction is the bending of light as it passes through a medium with a change in density. | Diffraction is the bending of light waves around obstacles or edges. |
Cause | It is caused by a change in the speed of light due to a change in medium. | It is caused by interference patterns created by obstacles or edges. |
Nature | Refraction involves the bending of light rays at the boundary of two media. | Diffraction involves the spreading of light waves after passing through an obstacle. |
Wavelength | In this wavelength may change, but frequency remains constant. | In this wavelength may change, affecting the interference pattern. |
Example | Light bending when passing through a prism or water. | Light bending around the edges of a slit or obstacle. |
Application | It is used in optics, lenses, and eyeglasses to correct vision. | It is used in spectroscopy, microscopy, and wave theory. |
Interference | It involves change in direction but not spreading of light waves. | It involves the spreading of light waves into regions of darkness. |
Explanation | It is given by Snell’s law, relating angles of incidence and refraction. | It is given by Huygens-Fresnel principle, in terms of wavefronts. |
Propagation | Light rays continue in the same direction but change speed and direction. | Light waves spread out after encountering an obstacle or edge. |
Frequency Change | Frequency remains constant, affecting only the speed and direction of light. | Frequency may change, affecting the intensity of the diffracted light. |
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Difference between Refraction and Diffraction
Refraction is the bending of light when passing through different mediums while diffraction occurs when light waves bend around obstacles or edges. While refraction affects the path of light rays, diffraction changes their distribution. Both phenomena play big roles in various scientific fields and applications.
In this article, we will learn about the differences between refraction and diffraction.