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.
What is Refraction?
Refraction is referred as the bending of light when it passes from one medium to another. This bending occurs due to the change in the speed of light as it moves from one medium to another.
When light travels from a less dense medium to a denser one, it bends towards the normal line, whereas when it moves from a denser medium to a less dense one, it bends away from the normal line.
Laws of Refraction
The laws of refraction states that:
- The reflected, incident, and the normal at the point of incidence all will tend to lie in the same plane.
- The ratio of the sine of the angle of the incidence and refraction is constant. This is called Snell’s law.
sin i / sin r = (n2/n1)
where,
- i is the angle of incidence
- r is the angle of refraction
- n2 and n1 the refractive indices of the two mediums.
What is Diffraction?
Diffraction is a phenomenon where light waves bend around edges and spreads out after striking an obstacle. It occurs when waves come across an obstruction that causes them to spread out and interfere with each other. Diffraction occurs with light waves, sound waves, water waves, seismic waves etc.
For example, when light passes through a narrow slit, it diffracts, creating a pattern of alternating light and dark bands known as diffraction patterns. Similarly, when sound waves come across the edges of an obstacle, they diffract, producing a change in their direction and spreading outwards.
Difference between Refraction and Diffraction
Some of the key differences between refraction and diffraction are given below.
|
Refraction vs. Diffraction |
||
|---|---|---|
| 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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FAQs on Difference between Refraction and Diffraction
What is Refraction and Diffraction?
Refraction is the bending of light when passing through different mediums whereas diffraction is the bending of light waves around obstacles or edges.
How do Refraction and Diffraction differ?
Refraction occurs due to changes in medium density, while diffraction results from interference patterns caused by obstacles.
What causes Refraction and Diffraction?
Refraction is caused by changes in the speed of light, while diffraction arises from interference patterns created by obstacles.
How are Refraction and Diffraction Used?
Refraction is utilized in optics and lenses, while diffraction finds applications in spectroscopy and microscopy.
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