What is the difference between dispersion and diffraction in waves?

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Dispersion and diffraction are distinct phenomena related to waves. Dispersion refers to the variation in the velocity of light in a material based on wavelength, causing different wavelengths to spread out. In contrast, diffraction involves the superposition of phase-related waves, leading to intensity variations and is applicable to various wave types, not just light. Both wavelength-dispersion and amplitude-dispersion can occur, highlighting the complexity of wave behavior. Understanding these differences is crucial for studying wave interactions.
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Are they the same?

Is dispersion only to do with light waves & diffraction for all waves?
 
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The are different unrelated phenomena.

Dispersion occurs when the "velocity" of light in a material depends on the wavelength. Thus different wavelengts of light are spread out upon emerging from the material.

Difraction occurs when superpostion of phase related light waves cause variations in intensity.
 
Besides, these are features present in a lot of different wave types, not only light waves (water waves is a good example).
Note that not only can we have the wavelength-dispersion mentioned by Integral, but also amplitude-dispersion
 
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