Interference and Diffraction

Interference and diffraction are phenomena that occur with light waves. Interference happens when two or more light waves overlap, leading to brighter or darker spots due to the waves reinforcing or canceling each other. Diffraction is the bending of light waves around obstacles or through openings, causing patterns of light and shadow. Both effects show that light behaves as a wave, revealing its complex nature beyond simple straight-line travel, which is central to geometrical optics. Understanding these concepts helps explain various optical effects, such as rainbows and the colorful patterns in soap bubbles.