UNIT-6, CHAPTER 10, WAVE OPTICS

LIGHT: - It is a form of energy which on entering our eyes gives us the sensation of sight. Light
is use to see the objects but the light is itself is invisible.
(A)-Newton’s Corpuscular Theory Of Light:- first of all Newton studied about light and
put Forward “NEWTONS CORPUS THEORY “.According to this theory light consist of tiny
weightless particles called corpuscles which are shot out by luminous objects with speed of
about 3000 km/sec.
By this theory Newton can able to explain reflection and refraction. In reflection the corpuscles
bounce off from the surface while in reflection the corpuscles are attracted by the material of
the medium and are allowed to penetrate through it.
Drawbacks: (1) the phenomenon like interference, diffraction, polarization etc. could not
explained by corpuscular theory.(2) Newton theoretically proved that the velocity of light in the
medium ‘v’ is greater than the velocity of light in air vacuum ‘c’ i.e. v > c, which is not correct.
(B)-Huygen’s Wave Theory:- Christian Huygen’s gave a theory –According to this theory
“light is a form of energy which propagate from source as a wave motion (i.e. disturbance in a
medium) with speed 3 108 m/sec in a hypothetical medium called ether.
This theory can explain reflection, refraction, diffractions, polarization interference etc. It also
prove that v < c.
Drawbacks: (1) Either is not ever seen yet. (2) Photoelectric effect and Compton’s effect
cannot be explained by this theory.
(C) Maxwell’s Electromagnetic Wave Theory: -According to Maxwell- light propagate in
the form of electromagnetic waves, consist of electric field and magnetic field mutually
perpendicular to the direction of propagation of light. Electromagnetic waves are transverse
wave with c = 3 108 m/sec in air. Thus difficult of either were removes. It is experimentally
demonstrated by Hertz and gave support to the wave theory of light.
(D) Quantum Theory (E) Dual Nature Of Light
• WAVE FRONT: - The locus of all the particles of a medium, which are vibrating in the
same phase, is defined as wave front. On the basis of the shape of the source wave front
can be of three types: -
(A)Spherical Wave Front: - When the source of light is a point source, then the wave front
is a sphere with center at the source i.e. A wave front is three dimensional space is called
spherical wave front.
When the propagation of light is taken in two dimensions then wave front is called circular
wave front.
(B) Cylindrical Wave Front: - When the source of light is linear (i.e. slit), all the points’
equidistance from the source lie on a cylinder, then wave front is called cylindrical.
(C)Plane Wave front: -When a source of light is at very distance, a small portion of the
spherical or cylindrical wave front appears to be plane then it is called plane wave front.
RAY: -A straight line normal (perpendicular) to the wave front is called ray.
Huygen’s Principle (Or Construction): -Huygens gave a hypothesis for geometrical
construction of a wave front at any instant. This principle tells us how to predict a new wave
front if position of an earlier wave front is known, and the way in which the wave front is
propagated further in medium. It is based on following assumption.
(1) Each point on a wave front acts as a new source of disturbance called secondary source.
The disturbance from the points is called secondary wavelets, which travel in all direction with
velocity of light in that medium.
(2) The new wave front at any later time is obtained by taking forward envelop of the
secondary wavelets at that time
Illustration: Consider a primary wave front AB at any instant. Then according to Huygens
principle each point on the wave front AB is center of a new disturbance called secondary
wavelets. To find the position of secondary wave front after time ‘t’ consider points 1,2,3,… on
AB. Distance traveled by the light = c t. Take each point as a center draw spheres of radius (ct).
These spheres represent secondary wavelets at time‘t’. If we draw a tangential surface A 1B1
touching tangentially all the wavelets in forward direction then is called secondary wave front.
The surface A2 B2 touching tangentially all the secondary wavelets in backward flow direction
called backward secondary wave front. Huygens assumed that Voigt and Kirchoff explained no
backward wave front as such ex\is\t .The absence of balanced secondary wave front by
mathematical treatment.
By superposition of wave the amplitude of the particles in a back wave front is zero and there is
no backward flow of energy. The effective part of secondary wavelet is the portion, which lies
on the forward secondary wave front.If radius of spherical wave front is large then it appears as
a plane wave front as in Fig.-b.
8.4 Reflection Of Light By Wave Theory: -Let M1M2 be a reflecting surface and PQ be a
plane wavefront incident on it at QPP/ (= i angle of incident). Let 1, 2 and 3 represent the
corresponding incident rays perpendicular to wavefront PQ.
According to Huygens’ principle, every point on wavefront PQ is a source of secondary
wavelets. Let secondary wavelets originating from point Q strike the surface M 1M2 at P/ in t
seconds. Therefore,
QP/ = c × t (1) c being the velocity of light.
Also, secondary wavelets from P will travel the same distance c t in the same time. So with P
as centre and (c × t) as radius, an arc Q’ is drawn such that, PQ/ = c × t (2)
A tangent plane P’Q’ is drawn touching the spherical arc tangentially at Q’. Thus P’Q’ is the
secondary wavefront after t seconds, moving in the direction of 1’, 2’ and 3’, which are the
corresponding reflected rays perpendicular to P’Q’.
It can be proved that the secondary wavelets originating from point D on the incident
wavefront PQ will reach D’ in the same time as the secondary wavelets take to go from Q to P’.
Q/P/P = angle of reflection
Now, From PP/Q and PP/Q/
(i) PP’ is common, (ii) QP/ = PQ’ = c t & (iii)
Hence, the two triangles are congruent.
Since corresponding parts of congruent triangles are equal so we can write (3)
Equation (iii) represents, the first law of reflection.
Second law: - The incident wavefront PQ, the reflecting surface M1M2 and the reflected
wavefront P/Q/ are perpendicular to the plane of the paper. In other words, the incident ray,
the normal and the reflecting ray, all lie in the same plane, which is the statement of the second
law of reflection.
Thus, the laws of reflection have been proved on the basis of the wave theory.
8.5 Refraction of Light By Wavefront Theory:-
Consider a denser medium (refractive index µ) be separated by a rarer medium by a plane XY.
Let c1 & c2 be the velocities of light in the rarer and the denser medium, respectively. Then µ =
c1 / c2 …….....(i)
Let PQ, a plane wave front be incident on the interface XY at QPP / = i.
Also 1, 2 & 3 are corresponding incident rays normal to wave front PQ.
From Huygens’ principle, every point on the wavefront PQ acts as a source of secondary
wavelets.
Let secondary wavelets from point Q strike interface XY at P / in t seconds. So, QP/ = c1 t
……....(ii)
Secondary wavelets originating from P propagate in the denser medium with the velocity c 2
covering a distance c2 t , in t seconds. Thus, with P as centre and (c2 t) as radius, an arc at Q/ is
drawn, so that P/Q/ = c2 t
A tangent plane touching the spherical arc tangentially at Q / is drawn from point P/. So P/Q/
represents the secondary wavefront after t seconds. This advances towards the corresponding
refracted rays 1/, 2/ and 3/, are the corresponding refracted rays, perpendicular to P/Q/.
It can be shown that the secondary wavelets originating from any point D on PQ, after
refraction at P, must reach D/ on P/Q/ in same time in which secondary wavelets from Q reach
P/ .
& .

In , ...(iii) &

In , ...(iv)
Dividing equation (iii) by (iv)

or ...(v)
Equation (v) is the Snell’s’ law of refraction.
From the figure, it is evident that the incident ray, the normal and the refracted ray lie in the
same plane. This proves the second law of refraction.
Thus, the laws of refraction have been proved on the basis of wave theory.
Refractive Index is defined as the ratio of the speed of light in a vacuum to the speed of
light in the material.
The higher the refractive index of a material, the more slowly light travels through it. Glass, for
example, has a refractive index of about 1.5, and water has a refractive index of about 1.3. This
indicates that light travels more slowly through glass than it does through water.
Second law: -Incident ray, refracted rays and normal all lies in same plane.
8.6 Interference Of Light: - The phenomenon of non-uniform redistribution of energy in a
medium & formation of bright & dark band due to superposition of two light waves from
coherent sources is called interference of light. Interference is of two types –
a) Constructive Interference: - A point where two crests or two through of different waves
falls on each other then amplitude or intensity of the resultant wave become maximum and the
point appear bright. This is called constructive interference.
b) Destructive Interference: - A Point where the through of one wave falls on the crest of
other then amplitude or intensity of resultant wave becomes minimum and the point appear
dark. This called Destructive Interference.
Conditions For Interference: -
(1) The two sources should emit monochromatic wave of same wave length and frequency
continuously.
(2) To obtain completely dark fringes amplitude of the waves should be same.
(3) The two sources must lie very close to each other.
(4) The waves emitted by the two sources should either be in same phase or should have a
constant phase difference i.e. the sources must coherent source.
Coherent Source: - The source of light which emit continuous light wave of same wave
length, same frequency same amplitude (nearly same) and in same phase or having constant
phase difference are called coherent source.
Two independent sources of light cannot be coherent. So interference cannot obtain by two
individual sources because: - (1) When an excited atom returns to ground state light is emitted.
A smallest source contained billions of such atoms, which cannot emit light in the same phase.
Then two independent source of light do not posses a constant phase difference. (2) Two
independent sources cannot emit waves continuously: -
(a) Two coherent sources can be obtained form a single sources in this case phase difference
will be constant.(b) In Fresnel’s biprism two virtual images of sources acts as coherent sources.
(c) In Lloyd’s mirror a source and its image acts as coherent sources.
8.7 Young’s Double Slit Experiment(YDSE): - The phenomenon of interference of light
was first observed by Thomas Young in 1802 by a simple experiment. This experiment led
conclusion that light ha wave nature.
Young allowed sunlight to pass through a whole and then at some distance through two-pin
hole S1and S2 which are
very close to each other. A screen placed in front of the sources then alternate bright and dark
band (spots) was observed called interference band.

Explanation: -The source S emits monochromatic light, which send out spherical wave fronts.
When disturbance reaches to S1and S2 secondary wavelets are emitted and they behaves as
coherent source solid line semicircle represent crest, dotted line semicircle trough circle ‘O’
represent maxima (constructive interference) and ‘*’ star represent minima (destructive
interference). When crest or through of two waves falls on each other, according to principle of
superposition the amplitude or intensity of the resultant wave becomes maximum and bright
band is observed. When crest of one wave fall on trough of another, according to principle of
superposition the amplitude or intensity of the resultant wave become minimum (zero) and
dark band is observed.
8.8 Interference Of Wave (Conditions for constructive and destructive
interference): -Consider tow light wave of same amplitude ‘a’, same frequency and same
velocity traveling with same velocity ‘c’ in same direction with phase difference .
The electric field vector of the waves can be represent as
y1 = a sin t -- -- -- (1) & y2 = a sin (t ) -- -- -- -- (2)
According to principle of superposition of waves-“When two wave superimpose at a point then
the resultant displacement ( y ) of the new wave is equal to vector sum of the displacements
of the individual waves “.So magnitude of the electric field of the resultant wave at any instant
y = y1 + y2 from (1) and (2)
y = a sin t + a (sin t cos cos t sin)
y = a sin t (1 + cos ) – a cos t sin
[sin (A B) = sinA cosB – cosA sinB]
y = [a (1 + cos )] sin wt [a sin] cos wt
Let a (1+ cos ) = A cos -- -- -- (3) & a Sin = A Sin -- -- -- (4)
Then y = A cos sin t - A sin cos t
y = A [sin t cos cos t sin ] Hence A = a sin (t ) -------- (5)
This eq. represents electric field vector of new at any instant, where A is amplitude of the wave.
Squaring and adding eq. (3) and (4) a2(1+ cos )2 + a2 sin2 = A2 cos2 + A2 sin2
a2[(12 + 2 cos + cos2 ) + sin2 ] = A2 [cos2 + sin2 ]
a2[ 1 + 2 cos +1 ] = A2 [1 ] Hence A2 = 2 a2[ 1 + cos ] - - - (6)
Intensity of light I = k (amplitude) 2 where K is constant
2
I = 2 k a (1+ cos ) - -- -- - -- (7)

(1) Resultant amplitude : Resultant amplitude A

(2) Resultant intensity : Resultant intensity

For constructive interference: - The resultant intensity is maximum i.e.

I = 2Ka2 (1+ cos ) = maximum
It the possible only when cos = maximum i.e. cos = +1
It the possible only when phase difference = 0, 2, 4, 6 - - - 2n

OR path difference x = 0, , 2, 3, - - - n. Since path difference

For constructive interference the phase difference between the waves should be even integral
multiple of
π or path difference between the waves should be equal to integral multiple of wavelength.
Imax = 2 k a2 ( 1+ 1) Hence Imax = 4 k a2

So Imax = K (a1 + a2)2

For Destructive Interference: - Interference fringes are dark so intensity
I = 2 K a2 (1+ cos ) = minimum
It is possible only when cos = minimum = - 1 So I min = 0.
It is possible only when = =, 3, 5 - - - (2n – 1)
OR path difference x = /2, 3/2, 5/2, - - - (2n – 1)/2 Here n = 1, 2, 3, 4 - - -.
Hence interference will be destructive when the phase difference between the waves should be
equal odd integral multiple of or path difference between them should be equal to odd
integral multiple of half the wavelength.
Imin = K (a1 a2)2
Constructive interference Destructive interference
(i) When the waves meets a point with same (i) When the wave meets a point with
phase, constructive interference is obtained at opposite phase, destructive interference
that point (i.e. maximum light) is obtained at that point (i.e. minimum
light)
(ii) Phase difference between the waves at the
(ii) n = 1, 2, ...
point of observation . or
(iii) Path difference between the waves at the
point of observation (i.e. even multiple of (iii) (i.e. odd multiple of /2)
/2).
(iv) Resultant amplitude at the point of (iv) Resultant amplitude at the point of
observation will be maximum. observation will be minimum
If If

(v) Resultant intensity at the point of observation (v) Resultant intensity at the point of
observation will be minimum
will be maximum. ,
,

If If

8.9 Positions of bright and

dark fringes & the fringe width (Theory Of Interference Of Light): - Diagram
 Let S1and S2 are two coherent sources and ‘d’ is distance between them. D is distance between
source and screen. Two waves starting from S1and S2 superimpose on each other, resulting in
interference fringes. Let P is any point on screen at distance Y from O, then path difference
between the waves reaching point P is x = S 2 P – S1 P - - - -(1)
2 2 2 2 2 2
In ΔPS2B S2P = S2B + PB S2P = D + (y + d/2) - - - - (2)
2 2 2 2 2 2
In ΔPS2B S1P = S1A + PA S1P = D + (y d/2) - - - - (2)
Subtracting eq3 from eq2 S2P2 S1P2 = [D2 + (y2 + d2/4 + 2 y d/2)] – [D2 + (y2 + d2/4 2 y
d/2)]
(S2P + S1P) (S2P S1P) = D2 + y2 + d2/4 + 2 y d/2 D 2 y2 d2/4 + 2 y d/2
(from eq1)
(S2P + S1P) x = y d + yd But S2P S1P D
(D + D) x = 2 y d 2Dx =2yd

Hence path difference - - - - (4)

a. For Bright Fringes (Maximum): - For constructive interference the path difference must be
integral multiple of

wavelength i.e. Path difference

Distance of nth bright band from central band - - - - (5)
n = 0 then Y = 0 i.e. central bright fringe is obtained at central point ‘O’. At this point there is no
path difference between the waves.

n = 1, then, distance of first bright fringe from O is In this case

path difference is.

n = 2, then, distance of second bright fringe from O is In this case

path difference is 2.
b. For Dark Fringes (Maximum): - For destructive interference the path difference must be odd

number multiple of ½ wavelength i.e. Path difference

Distance of nth dark band from central band - - - - (5)

n = 1, then, distance of first dark fringe from O is In this case

path difference is /2.

n = 2, then, distance of second dark fringe from O is In this case path

difference is 3/2.
Fringe Width: -The separation between two consecutive bright or dark fringes is defined as
fringe width.

For two consecutive bright fringes = Hence

For two consecutive dark fringes = Hence

Conclusion: - 1) fringe width of bright and dark band is same. 2) Fringes are equally spaced and
independent of order (n). 3) For broad band, wave length of light must be large. 4). D
For broad, band distance between source & screen must be large. 5). 1/d For broad
band, distance between sources must be small.
.
8.10Intensity Distribution: - If we plot a graph between intensity of the fringes I and the
distance central fringe then the curve is called energy distribution curve.
If there is no interference then according to superposition principle average intensity I av = k A2 +
k A2 Iav = 2 k A2 -- - - (1)
But in case of interference intensity, I = 2 k A2 (1+ cos )
For Bright Band: - I = 2 K A2 (1+ cos ) = maximum
It is possible only when Cos = maximum = 1
It is possible only when = =, 3, 5 - - - 2n.
IMAX = 2 k A2 (1+ 1) Hence I max = 4 k A2 - - - - (2)
For Dark Band: - I = 2 K A2 (1+ Cos ) = minimum
It is possible only when Cos = minimum = 1
So Imin = 0 - - - (3)
It is possible only when = =, 3, 5 - - - (2n – 1).
Iav = (Imax + Imin)/2 = (4 k A2 + 0)/2 = 2 k A2. This proves that there is only a redistribution of light
intensity in the interference pattern. In other words, there is an energy transfer from regions of
destructive interference to the regions of constructive interference. Since no energy is created
or annihilated, the law of conservation of energy is followed.
Illustrations of Interference:-Interference effects are commonly observed in thin films when
their thickness is comparable to
.

from the wavelength of incident light (If it is too thin as compared to wavelength of light it
appears dark and if it is too thick, this will result in uniform illumination of film). Thin layer of oil
on water surface and soap bubbles shows various colours in white light due to interference of
waves reflected from the two surfaces of the film.
Thin films: In thin films interference takes place between the waves reflected from it’s two
surfaces & waves refracted through it.
The conditions for sustained interference are: (a) The two sources of light must be coherent.
(b) The two coherent sources must lie very close to each other. (c) The two sources of light
should be very narrow. (d)The amplitudes of the two waves originating from the two sources
must be equal. (e) The two sources should be monochromatic.

Ratio of intensity of light at maximum and minimum

Diffraction: The phenomenon of bending of light around an obstacle or round corner of
aperture and spreading into the geometrical shadow is called diffraction.
A pattern of alternate bright and dark fringes (bonds) are obtained on the screen called
diffraction pattern.

Central band is bright and other bright bands on either side with decreasing intensity.
Condition for diffraction: - Size of slit or obstacle must be nearly equal to wavelength of the
wave (light)
Example of diffraction: - Diffraction of sound is prominently observed because sound wave has
large wavelength so it can diffract from buildings, walls stones etc. Similarly radio wave and
microwave diffract due to their large wavelength so and are capable to receive signals of radio
and TV etc. Hence diffraction of light can be observed only by allowing light to fall on extremely
small tiny objects because wavelength = 3700 A to 7800 A
• If two razor blades are placed together to each other so that their sharp edges
form a very narrow slit in between. Keeping this slit close and right in front of the eye, we
look through the slit on bulb. A diffraction pattern with its bright and dark bands is seen by
slight adjustment of the slit width.
• If we look at distant street lamp through a handkerchief we obtain a row of
points of light arranged symmetrically around the bright central point. Light is diffracted
through the various tiny spaces between the thread.

Fresnel diffraction Fraunhofer diffraction

(i) If either source or screen or both are at (i) In this case both source and screen are
finite distance from the diffracting device effectively at infinite distance from the
(obstacle or aperture), the diffraction is called diffracting device.
Fresnel type.
(ii) Common examples : Diffraction at a (ii) Common examples : Diffraction at
 straight edge, narrow wire or small opaque single slit, double slit and diffraction
disc etc. grating.

Diffraction at a single slit:- Diffraction is explained by Fresnel in 1818 by Huygen’s principle

of the secondary wavelets in conjunction with the principle of inference. Source “S” of
monochromatic light is placed at a distance equal to focal length of convex lens L” so that a
parallel beam of light is obtained. The plane wave fronts are allowed to fall on a very narrow slit
AB = d such that d . Diffraction pattern are obtained on the screen by focusing with the help of
lens L .The diffraction pattern on the screen consists of a central bright band with alternate
dark and weak light (nearly dark) bands of decreasing intensity on both sides called secondary
maxima and secondary minima.

Theory: - According to Huygens principle each point of the slit behaves as source of secondary
wavelets. The slit is imagined to consist of strips of equal width parallel to the length of the slit.
The total effect in particular direction is
found by adding the wavelets emitted in that particular direction by all the strips, using the
superposition principle.
Formation of central maxima: - when light is incident on slit then according to Huygens
Construction each point emits secondary wavelets in all directions in same phase. Therefore
distance traveled by all wavelets to reach at a point O is same i.e. path difference between
wavelets is zero. The secondary wave-lets reinforce each other and give rise to central maxima
at O.
Formation of secondary minima: - Consider secondary wavelets are diffracted by an angle and
reach at point P. The wavelets start from different part of the slit in same phase but they will
not arrive at P in the same phase because they have to cover unequal distances in reaching P.
Thus the intensity at point P will depend on the path difference BN.
In ANB sin n =BNd For small angle sin n = n
Hence angular separation of of nth band from central band n = xnd ______________ (1)
______________
In ANB tan n =BNd For small angle tan n = n n = yn D (2) Comparing eq1
y n D = x n d Hence distance of nth band from central band y n= yn = xnDd
Formation of secondary minima: - (a) First secondary minima If path difference BN = then P
will have minimum intensity and called first secondary maxima. In this case the whole
wavefront (slit) can be considered to be divided into two equal strips AC and CB. If path
difference between the wavelets emitted from A and B is then the path difference between
the secondary wavelets from A and C or from C and B will be 2. Therefore path difference
between the wavelets emitted by the two strips is 2 .i.e phase difference 2. Thus destructive
interference takes place at point P because crest from one strip reaches at P with a trough from
the other, and first minima is observed.
(b) Second secondary minima : If path difference BN = 2 then P will have minimum intensity .
The path difference between the extreme wavelets from A & B is 2 so the slit may be
divided into four equal strips AC1, C1C, CC2 and C2B . The wavelets from the correspond
points in the two parts AC1 & C1C or CC2 and C2B etc. will have path difference /2 i.e.
phase difference T1 and cancel each other in effect due to destructive interference. So
the point have minimum intensity called second secondary minima.
Similarly formation nth secondary minima. can be dividing slit into 2n equal strips. From
equation (1)
Angular separation of first secondary minima. 1= /d
Angular separation of second secondary minima. 2 = 2/d
For nth secondary minima, the Angular separation n = n/d ______________ (2)
n = 1,2,3------- x = , 2, 3 , 4--------
Formation of secondary maxima: First secondary maxima: If path difference BN = 3/2 then P
will be bright . In this case the slit may be divided into three equal strips path difference
between the secondary wavelets from corresponding points of strips AC1 and C1C2 will be
/2 They will give rise to destructive interference. However the secondary waves from the
third part remain unused, since they are in same phase So they reinforce each other and
produce First secondary maxima.
When a parallel beam of monochromatic light incident the grating diffraction pattern of
alternate bright and dark fringes of varying intensities are obtain. With central maxima of
max. intensity . If waves are diffracted by n then path difference x = d sin n . For
conservation interference x = n Where n = 1,2,3-----------.
So n= d sin n -------- (1)
For Ist order maxima angle of diffraction 1 , = d sin1 1= /d
For IInd order maxima angle of diffraction 1 , 2 = d sin2 2 = 2/d etc.
th
For n order maxima from equation (1) n = n/d
If we use white light then due to different value of for different colored light. The
gravity will send different colours in different direction and we obtain a coloured
diffraction pattern.
Second secondary maxima: If path difference BN = 5/2 then P will be bright . In this case the
slit can be considered to be divided into five equal strips path difference between two
consecutive strip so the first four strips cancel each other effect due to destructive
interference. The wavelets from the fifth part remain unused, since they are in same
phase So they reinforce each other and produce second secondary maxima.
To explain nth maxima we can divide the slit into (2n + 1 ) equal parts (strips). From
equation (1)
Angular separation of first secondary maxima. /1= 3/2d
Angular separation of second secondary maxima. /2= 5/2d
For nth secondary maxima. the Angular separation /n= (2n+1)/2d ______________ (3)
n = 1,2,3,------, x = 3/2, 5/2, 7/2 , --------
Intensity Distribution Curve: We plot a graph between intensity and angle . We find that
the central maxima is the most intensive . The intensity falls to zero on either side of
the central maxima.
Width of the central maxima:

Width of the secondary maxima = y/n – y/n-1 = Hence

Width of the central maxima 0= y1 + y1 Hence
Where y1 is distance of first minima . So Width of the central maxima is equal to the distance
between the first secondary maxima of either side of hence central maxima is twice as wide as

any other secondary maxima 0 , So narrow slit is required. Also D.

Difference between interference and diffraction :
Interference Diffraction
(1)Interference is result of interference (1)Diffraction is result of the superposition
of light coming from two different wave of the secondary wavelets from different
front originating from two different part of the same wavefront.
coherent source.
(2)In interference the fringe width is (2)In diffraction fringes are not of the same
generally constant. width.
(3) Point of minimum intensity are (3)In diffraction the minima’s are never
perfectly dark that is Intensity = 0. perfectly dark.
(4) All the maxima have same intensity. (4) The central maxima is most intense
secondary maxima have varying intensity and
rapidly fall is zero.

Q = Why the intensity of secondary maxima is less than that of central maxima ?
Ans. Intensity of central maxima is due to wavelets from all parts of the slit. While in first
secondary maxima intensity is due to wavelets from one third part of the slit because
the first two part cancel their effect . In second secondary maxima intensity is due to
wavelets from one fifth part of the slit because the first four part cancel out their effect.
Hence intensity of the secondary maxima for on decreasing .
Validity of ray optics : When light incident on big objects diffraction pattern are not
observe so light travel in straight line. But when size of objects is nearly equal to
wavelength of light deviate from rectilinear propagation.
So in ordinary circumstances light travel in straight line and ray optics is valid. but ray
optics fail when size of object is equivalent to wavelength of light. Thus ray optics is
limiting case of wave optics.
Proof: Distance from the slit at which the spreading of light due to diffraction become
equal to the size of the slit is called Fresnel’s distance ‘Z F’

At Fresnel’s distance = d . So from

If distance between slit and screen D is less than Fresnel’s distance Z F (D DF) the
diffraction effect will be absent . Hence ray optics may be regarded as limiting case of
wave optics.
1Mark questions