DISTINCTION BETWEEN INTERFERENCE AND

DIFFRACTION
B.Tech 1st Semester Physics (BS-PH-101) | MAKAUT Standard Notes

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Introduction to Wave Optics

2. Fundamental Concepts

3. Detailed Theory: Interference

4. Detailed Theory: Diffraction

5. Key Distinctions (Most Important for Exams)

6. Mathematical Formulations

7. Solved Problems

8. Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

9. Quick Revision Points

1. INTRODUCTION TO WAVE OPTICS

Wave optics deals with phenomena that cannot be explained by ray optics (geometrical optics). The two most
important phenomena are:

Interference: Superposition of two coherent waves

Diffraction: Bending of light waves around obstacles or through apertures

Both phenomena provide strong evidence for the wave nature of light and were crucial in establishing the wave
theory of light.

2. FUNDAMENTAL CONCEPTS
2.1 Coherent Sources
Two sources are said to be coherent if they emit waves having:
 Same frequency (or wavelength)

Constant phase difference

Same amplitude (preferably)

Methods to obtain coherent sources:

Division of wavefront (Young's Double Slit)

Division of amplitude (Thin films, Newton's rings)

2.2 Path Difference and Phase Difference

Relationship:

Phase difference (δ) = (2π/λ) × Path difference (Δx)

Where:

δ = phase difference in radians

λ = wavelength of light

Δx = path difference

2.3 Principle of Superposition

When two or more waves overlap, the resultant displacement at any point is the vector sum of individual
displacements.

Resultant Amplitude:

A = √(A₁² + A₂² + 2A₁A₂cosδ)

Resultant Intensity:

I = I₁ + I₂ + 2√(I₁I₂)cosδ

3. DETAILED THEORY: INTERFERENCE

3.1 Definition
Interference is the phenomenon of redistribution of light energy due to superposition of two coherent light
waves, resulting in alternate bright and dark bands called fringes.

3.2 Conditions for Interference

 1. The two sources must be coherent

2. The sources should be monochromatic (single wavelength)

3. The sources should be very close to each other

4. The distance between sources should be small compared to distance from screen

5. The two sources should have equal or nearly equal amplitudes

3.3 Types of Interference

A. Constructive Interference (Bright Fringe)

Occurs when waves meet in phase.

Condition: Path difference = nλ

Δx = nλ where n = 0, 1, 2, 3, ...

Phase difference: δ = 2nπ

Intensity: I_max = (A₁ + A₂)² = 4I₀ (if A₁ = A₂)

B. Destructive Interference (Dark Fringe)

Occurs when waves meet out of phase.

Condition: Path difference = (2n - 1)λ/2

Δx = (2n - 1)λ/2 where n = 1, 2, 3, ...

Phase difference: δ = (2n - 1)π

Intensity: I_min = (A₁ - A₂)² = 0 (if A₁ = A₂)

3.4 Young's Double Slit Experiment (YDSE)

This is the most important topic for MAKAUT exams.

Experimental Setup

Two narrow slits S₁ and S₂ separated by distance 'd'

Screen placed at distance 'D' from the slits

Monochromatic light of wavelength 'λ' illuminates the slits

Path Difference
 Δx = S₂P - S₁P = d sinθ ≈ d tanθ = dy/D

Where:

y = distance of point P from central maximum

D = distance between slits and screen

d = separation between slits

Condition for Bright Fringes

d sinθ = nλ
or
y_n = nλD/d where n = 0, ±1, ±2, ...

Condition for Dark Fringes

d sinθ = (2n - 1)λ/2

or
y_n = (2n - 1)λD/2d where n = 1, 2, 3, ...

Fringe Width (β)

Fringe width is the distance between two consecutive bright or dark fringes.

β = λD/d

This is one of the most important formulas for MAKAUT exams!

Important Relations

1. Position of nth bright fringe: y_n = nβ = nλD/d

2. Position of nth dark fringe: y_n = (2n-1)β/2 = (2n-1)λD/2d

3. All bright fringes are equally spaced

4. All dark fringes are equally spaced

5. Fringe width is independent of 'n'

Intensity Distribution

I = 4I₀ cos²(δ/2) = 4I₀ cos²(πd sinθ/λ)

At center: I = 4I₀ (maximum)
At minima: I = 0

4. DETAILED THEORY: DIFFRACTION

4.1 Definition
Diffraction is the phenomenon of bending of light waves around obstacles or spreading of light waves
through apertures, when the size of obstacle/aperture is comparable to the wavelength of light.

4.2 Fresnel and Fraunhofer Diffraction

Fresnel Diffraction Fraunhofer Diffraction

Infinite (or using lenses)

Spherical/Cylindrical Plane

Mathematical Treatment Complex Simple

Lens Required No Yes

Pattern Complex Simple, clear

MAKAUT Focus: Fraunhofer diffraction is more important for exams.

4.3 Fraunhofer Diffraction at Single Slit

Experimental Setup

Slit width 'a'

Screen at large distance D

Monochromatic light of wavelength λ

Theory

The slit can be divided into infinite number of point sources. Each point acts as a source of secondary wavelets
(Huygens' principle). These wavelets interfere to produce diffraction pattern.

Path Difference

For a point P on screen at angle θ:

Δx = a sinθ

Condition for Minima (Dark Fringes)

a sinθ = nλ where n = ±1, ±2, ±3, ...

Note: n = 0 gives central maximum (not minimum)

Position of nth minimum:

y_n = nλD/a

Condition for Maxima (Secondary Bright Fringes)

a sinθ = (2n + 1)λ/2 where n = 1, 2, 3, ...

Width of Central Maximum

Width = 2λD/a = 2y₁

Key Point: Width of central maximum is twice the width of secondary maxima.

Width of Secondary Maxima

β = λD/a

Intensity Distribution

I = I₀ [sin(α)/α]²

Where α = (πa sinθ)/λ

At center (θ = 0): I = I₀ (maximum)

4.4 Fraunhofer Diffraction at Double Slit

This combines both interference (due to two slits) and diffraction (due to finite slit width).

Condition for interference maxima: d sinθ = nλ Condition for diffraction minima: a sinθ = mλ

The resultant pattern shows:

Interference maxima modulated by diffraction envelope

Some interference maxima are missing due to diffraction minima

Missing orders: When d sinθ = nλ and a sinθ = mλ coincide

n/m = d/a

4.5 Diffraction Grating

A diffraction grating consists of a large number of equally spaced parallel slits.

Grating element: e = a + b

a = width of each slit

b = width of opaque space between slits

Condition for Principal Maxima

(a + b) sinθ = nλ where n = 0, 1, 2, 3, ...

Resolving Power

R = λ/dλ = nN

Where:

N = total number of lines on grating

n = order of spectrum

This formula is very important for MAKAUT exams!

Dispersive Power

dθ/dλ = n/(a + b)cosθ

5. KEY DISTINCTIONS (MOST IMPORTANT FOR EXAMS)

Comprehensive Comparison Table
 S.No. Basis Interference Diffraction

Superposition of two separate Superposition of secondary wavelets from same

1 Definition
coherent waves wavefront

Number of Two separate coherent sources

2 Single source (wavefront divided into parts)
sources required

All fringes have equal width (β = λD/ Central maximum width is twice that of secondary
3 Fringe width
d) maxima (2λD/a)

4 Fringe intensity All bright fringes have same intensity Decreasing intensity as we move away from center

Good contrast between bright and

5 Contrast Poor contrast (except near central maximum)
dark fringes

Minimum I_min = 0 (perfect darkness if equal

6 I_min ≠ 0 (not perfectly dark)
intensity amplitudes)

7 Region of pattern Whole screen shows fringes Pattern localized to certain region

Number of
8 Large number of fringes Few fringes (limited by diffraction envelope)
fringes

Condition Slit separation comparable to

9 Slit/obstacle size comparable to wavelength (a ≈ λ)
required wavelength (d ≈ λ)

10 Physical origin Division of amplitude or wavefront Bending of light around edges

Mathematical
11 I = 4I₀cos²(δ/2) I = I₀[sin(α)/α]²
form

12 Examples YDSE, Thin films, Newton's rings Single slit, Double slit, Grating

Quick Memory Points (For 2-mark Questions)

Interference is:

Two source phenomenon

Equal width fringes

Equal intensity fringes

Good contrast

Diffraction is:

Single source phenomenon

Unequal width fringes (central max = 2× secondary)

Decreasing intensity fringes

Poor contrast
Most Common Exam Question: "Write any four differences between interference and diffraction" - Use the
above table!

6. MATHEMATICAL FORMULATIONS
6.1 Young's Double Slit Experiment

Formula Units

β = λD/d m

y_n = nλD/d m

y_n = (2n-1)λD/2d m

Path difference for bright Δx = nλ m

Path difference for dark Δx = (2n-1)λ/2 m

Phase difference relation δ = (2π/λ)Δx radians

Intensity I = 4I₀cos²(πdy/λD) W/m²

6.2 Single Slit Diffraction

Formula Units

a sinθ = nλ (n≠0) -

2λD/a m

Width of secondary max λD/a m

Position of nth minimum y_n = nλD/a m

Intensity I = I₀[sin(α)/α]² W/m²

Angular width of central max 2λ/a rad

6.3 Diffraction Grating

Units

(a+b)sinθ = nλ -

Resolving power R = nN = λ/dλ dimensionless

Dispersive power dθ/dλ = n/[(a+b)cosθ] rad/m

Number of orders visible n_max = (a+b)/λ -

7. SOLVED PROBLEMS
Problem 1: Young's Double Slit Experiment (★★★★★)
Question: In YDSE, two slits are separated by 0.5 mm and screen is placed at 1.5 m from slits. If wavelength of
light used is 600 nm, calculate: (a) Fringe width (b) Position of 5th bright fringe (c) Position of 3rd dark fringe
Solution:

Given:

d = 0.5 mm = 0.5 × 10⁻³ m

D = 1.5 m

λ = 600 nm = 600 × 10⁻⁹ m = 6 × 10⁻⁷ m

(a) Fringe width:

β = λD/d
β = (6 × 10⁻⁷ × 1.5)/(0.5 × 10⁻³)
β = (9 × 10⁻⁷)/(0.5 × 10⁻³)
β = 18 × 10⁻⁴ m
β = 1.8 mm

(b) Position of 5th bright fringe:

y₅ = nλD/d = 5β
y₅ = 5 × 1.8
y₅ = 9 mm

(c) Position of 3rd dark fringe:

y₃ = (2n-1)λD/2d = (2n-1)β/2
y₃ = (2×3-1) × 1.8/2
y₃ = 5 × 0.9
y₃ = 4.5 mm

Answer: (a) 1.8 mm, (b) 9 mm, (c) 4.5 mm

Problem 2: Effect of Medium (★★★★)

Question: In YDSE, when the entire apparatus is immersed in water (μ = 4/3), what happens to fringe width?

Solution:

In air: β₁ = λD/d

When wavelength in medium: λ' = λ/μ

In water: β₂ = λ'D/d = λD/μd

Ratio:
 β₂/β₁ = (λD/μd)/(λD/d) = 1/μ
β₂ = β₁/μ = β₁/(4/3) = 3β₁/4

Answer: Fringe width becomes 3/4 times the original value.

Problem 3: Single Slit Diffraction (★★★★★)

Question: A single slit of width 0.2 mm is illuminated by light of wavelength 500 nm. Screen is placed at 2 m
from the slit. Calculate: (a) Width of central maximum (b) Width of first secondary maximum

Solution:

Given:

a = 0.2 mm = 0.2 × 10⁻³ m = 2 × 10⁻⁴ m

λ = 500 nm = 5 × 10⁻⁷ m

D=2m

(a) Width of central maximum:

Width = 2λD/a
Width = (2 × 5 × 10⁻⁷ × 2)/(2 × 10⁻⁴)
Width = (20 × 10⁻⁷)/(2 × 10⁻⁴)
Width = 10 × 10⁻³ m
Width = 10 mm or 1 cm

(b) Width of first secondary maximum:

Width of secondary maxima = λD/a = (Central max width)/2

Width = 5 mm or 0.5 cm

Answer: (a) 1 cm, (b) 0.5 cm

Problem 4: Missing Orders in Double Slit (★★★)

Question: In a double slit diffraction pattern, the slit width is 0.1 mm and slit separation is 0.3 mm. Which
orders of interference maxima will be missing?

Solution:

Given:
 Slit width: a = 0.1 mm

Slit separation: d = 0.3 mm

For missing orders:

n/m = d/a
n/m = 0.3/0.1 = 3

This means when n = 3, 6, 9, 12,... the interference maxima will be missing.

Answer: 3rd, 6th, 9th, 12th,... orders will be missing.

Problem 5: Diffraction Grating (★★★★)

Question: A grating has 5000 lines per cm. Calculate: (a) Grating element (b) Maximum order visible for λ =
600 nm (c) Resolving power in 2nd order

Solution:

Given:

Number of lines per cm = 5000

Total lines N = 5000 per cm

λ = 600 nm = 6 × 10⁻⁷ m

(a) Grating element:

e = (a + b) = 1/N (per cm)

e = 1/(5000) cm = 10⁻⁴/5
e = 2 × 10⁻⁶ m

(b) Maximum order visible:

Using (a+b)sinθ = nλ

For maximum order, sinθ = 1 (θ = 90°)

n_max = (a+b)/λ
n_max = (2 × 10⁻⁶)/(6 × 10⁻⁷)
n_max = 3.33

Therefore, maximum order = 3

(c) Resolving power in 2nd order:

 R = nN

For 1 cm length: N = 5000

R = 2 × 5000 = 10,000

Answer: (a) 2 × 10⁻⁶ m, (b) 3, (c) 10,000

Problem 6: Change in Wavelength (★★★★)

Question: In YDSE with d = 0.3 mm and D = 1 m, the 10th bright fringe is observed at a distance of 1.5 cm
from center. Calculate the wavelength of light used.

Solution:

Given:

d = 0.3 mm = 3 × 10⁻⁴ m

D=1m

n = 10

y₁₀ = 1.5 cm = 1.5 × 10⁻² m

Using: y_n = nλD/d

λ = (y_n × d)/(n × D)
λ = (1.5 × 10⁻² × 3 × 10⁻⁴)/(10 × 1)
λ = (4.5 × 10⁻⁶)/10
λ = 4.5 × 10⁻⁷ m
λ = 450 nm

Answer: 450 nm

Problem 7: Angular Width (★★★)

Question: Calculate the angular width of central maximum in single slit diffraction if slit width is 0.12 mm and
wavelength is 600 nm.

Solution:

Given:
 a = 0.12 mm = 1.2 × 10⁻⁴ m

λ = 600 nm = 6 × 10⁻⁷ m

Angular position of first minimum:

a sinθ = λ
sinθ = λ/a = (6 × 10⁻⁷)/(1.2 × 10⁻⁴)
sinθ = 5 × 10⁻³

For small angles: sinθ ≈ θ (in radians)

θ = 5 × 10⁻³ rad

Angular width of central maximum = 2θ

Angular width = 2 × 5 × 10⁻³

Angular width = 10⁻² rad = 0.01 rad

Converting to degrees: 0.01 × (180/π) ≈ 0.573°

Answer: 0.01 radian or 0.573°

8. PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS (PYQs)

Type 1: Short Answer Questions (2-3 marks)
Q1. State four differences between interference and diffraction. Ans: Refer to Section 5 - Key Distinctions
table (rows 3, 4, 5, 8)

Q2. What are coherent sources? Give two methods to obtain them. Ans: Two sources having same
frequency and constant phase difference are coherent sources. Methods: (i) Division of wavefront (YDSE), (ii)
Division of amplitude (Thin films)

Q3. Write the condition for constructive and destructive interference. Ans:

Constructive: Path difference = nλ (n = 0,1,2,...)

Destructive: Path difference = (2n-1)λ/2 (n = 1,2,3,...)

Q4. Define resolving power of diffraction grating. Ans: Resolving power is the ability to distinguish between
two spectral lines of nearly equal wavelengths. R = λ/dλ = nN

Q5. Why is central maximum twice as wide as secondary maxima in single slit diffraction? Ans: Central
maximum extends from first minimum on one side to first minimum on other side, spanning angle from -λ/a to
+λ/a. Secondary maxima span only λ/a width each.
Type 2: Long Answer Questions (5-7 marks)
Q6. Explain Young's double slit experiment. Derive the expression for fringe width.

Ans: [Full derivation required]

Setup:

Two coherent sources S₁, S₂ separated by distance d

Screen at distance D >> d

Monochromatic light wavelength λ

Theory: Path difference = S₂P - S₁P ≈ d sinθ

For small angles: sinθ ≈ tanθ = y/D

Therefore: Path difference = dy/D

For bright fringe: dy/D = nλ

Position: y_n = nλD/d

For consecutive bright fringes (n and n+1):

y_(n+1) = (n+1)λD/d
y_n = nλD/d

Fringe width: β = y_(n+1) - y_n = λD/d

Conclusion: Fringe width β = λD/d (independent of n)

Q7. Derive the condition for minima in Fraunhofer single slit diffraction.

Ans: [Full derivation with diagram required - refer to standard textbook]

Q8. Explain diffraction grating. Derive the grating equation and expression for resolving power.

Ans: [Complete theory and derivation required]

Type 3: Numerical Problems (3-5 marks)

Q9. In YDSE, d = 0.4 mm, D = 1.2 m, λ = 480 nm. Calculate fringe width and position of 4th bright
fringe.

Ans:
 β = λD/d = (480×10⁻⁹ × 1.2)/(0.4×10⁻³) = 1.44 mm
y₄ = 4β = 4 × 1.44 = 5.76 mm

Q10. A single slit of width 0.15 mm is illuminated with light of wavelength 600 nm. Screen is at 1.5 m.
Find width of central maximum.

Ans:

Width = 2λD/a = (2 × 600×10⁻⁹ × 1.5)/(0.15×10⁻³)

Width = 12 mm = 1.2 cm

Type 4: Theory Questions (Common in MAKAUT)

Q11. Distinguish between Fresnel and Fraunhofer diffraction.

Q12. Write down the expression for intensity due to Fraunhofer diffraction in a single slit. How does it
differ for double slit?

Q13. What are the characteristics of diffraction grating? Write its applications.

Q14. Explain the missing orders in double slit diffraction pattern.

9. QUICK REVISION POINTS

Must-Remember Formulas (★★★★★)
1. YDSE Fringe width: β = λD/d

2. Position of nth bright: y_n = nλD/d = nβ

3. Central max width (single slit): 2λD/a

4. Single slit minima: a sinθ = nλ

5. Grating equation: (a+b) sinθ = nλ

6. Resolving power: R = nN

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Don't confuse 'd' (slit separation) with 'a' (slit width)

2. Central maximum in diffraction is 2x wider (not same as secondary)

3. For dark fringe in YDSE: use (2n-1)λ/2, not nλ

4. In single slit: n = 0 gives central maximum (not minimum)

5. Fringe width in YDSE is constant (doesn't depend on n)

Unit Conversions (Very Important!)

1 mm = 10⁻³ m

1 μm = 10⁻⁶ m

1 nm = 10⁻⁹ m

1 Å = 10⁻¹⁰ m

1 cm = 10⁻² m

Exam Strategy
For 2-mark questions:

Direct formulas

Definitions

Differences (4 points from table)

For 5-mark questions:

Full derivation with diagram

Theory + 1 numerical

Explain phenomenon + mathematical expression

For 7-mark questions:

Complete derivation

Multiple parts (theory + numerical)

Diagram is mandatory

Key Topics for MAKAUT (Priority Wise)

Must Prepare (90% probability):

1. Young's Double Slit Experiment (Theory + Derivation)

2. Distinction between Interference and Diffraction

3. Fraunhofer Single Slit Diffraction

4. Numerical problems on YDSE

5. Diffraction Grating (Resolving Power)

Important (60-70% probability): 6. Fresnel vs Fraunhofer Diffraction 7. Double Slit

Diffraction (missing orders) 8. Numerical on single slit diffraction

Last-Minute Tips (Night Before Exam)

 Memorize all 6 must-remember formulas
Practice 5 numerical problems (3 YDSE + 2 single slit)
Learn the distinction table (at least 6 points)
Revise diagrams: YDSE, Single slit, Intensity graphs
Check unit conversions
Write phase difference and path difference relation

IMPORTANT NOTE FOR MAKAUT STUDENTS

Based on MAKAUT question pattern analysis:

Theory questions: 40-50% weightage (definitions, distinctions, derivations)

Numerical problems: 30-40% weightage

Short answers: 20-30% weightage

Expected Questions in Semester Exam:

1 question on YDSE (7 marks) - Derivation + numerical

1 question on Diffraction (5-7 marks) - Single slit theory

1 short question on differences (2-3 marks)

2-3 numerical problems (3-5 marks each)

Success Mantra:

Master YDSE completely + Learn distinctions + Practice 10 numericals = Easy 25+ marks!

References for Further Study

1. Engineering Physics - R.K. Gaur & S.L. Gupta

2. Engineering Physics - Avadhanulu & Kshirsagar

3. Concepts of Physics - H.C. Verma (Vol. 2)

4. MAKAUT Previous Year Question Papers (2019-2024)

Best of Luck for Your MAKAUT Exam!

Prepared following MAKAUT syllabus and question pattern analysis Last Updated: November 2025