Exam-style question
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What is the main difference between diffraction and interference?.
- A.Diffraction involves the bending of waves around obstacles, while interference involves the superposition of waves.
- B.Diffraction occurs only with sound waves, while interference occurs only with light waves.
- C.Diffraction requires a medium, while interference does not.
- D.Diffraction is a one-dimensional effect, while interference is two-dimensional.
Model answer
What a good answer should say
- Diffraction involves the bending of waves around obstacles, while interference involves the superposition of waves.
Explanation
Why this works
Diffraction refers to the spreading of waves when they encounter an obstacle or aperture, while interference is the result of the overlapping of two or more waves, leading to a pattern of maxima and minima.
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