What is the difference between light refraction and diffraction?
1 Answer
Refraction is the bending of light as it passes from one medium to another, diffraction is the bending of light as it passes the edge of an object.
Explanation:
Both refraction and diffraction are properties of waves.
If we use water waves as an example, waves hitting shallower water at an angle will slow down and change direction slightly. That is refraction.
Waves hitting an island will bend and eventually close in on the "shadow" of the island. That is diffraction.
Light demonstrates wave properties through both refraction and diffraction. Prisms and lenses, and the distortion looking through a glass of water, are examples of refraction.
Diffraction of light is not as obvious on a day to day basis, but is classically illustrated in Young's double slit experiment and diffraction gratings.
