Difference Between Interference and Diffraction

AI Thread Summary
Interference in double slits involves light waves from two separate slits interacting, primarily influenced by the distance each wave travels to the observation screen. In contrast, single slit diffraction occurs due to the interference of light waves emanating from various points across the width of a single slit. The resulting patterns differ, with single slit diffraction producing a broader central maximum and additional minima, while double slit interference creates a series of evenly spaced bright and dark fringes. Understanding these differences is crucial for grasping the principles of wave behavior in optics. The comparison highlights the unique characteristics of each phenomenon in wave interference.
molly16
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Can anyone tell me the difference between interference in double slit's and single slit diffraction?
 
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Welcome to PF, molly!
Check Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Double-slit_experiment
They have a nice comparison of the patterns. You should be able to find the formulas for the patterns in each case.

The patterns are different because in the single slit you get interference from the light coming through the slit on the left and right sides. All parts interfering with the others, actually. The double slit is much simpler - light from one slit interferes with light from the other and the dominating effect is the slightly different distances from each slit to the screen.
 

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