Question

Give two differences between Fresnel diffraction and Fraunhofer diffraction.

Answer 1

Recall the concept of diffraction of light. Give the definition of diffraction of light and given two types of diffraction which are observed. Recall the basics of the Fresnel diffraction and Fraunhofer diffraction. Hence, give the difference between the Fresnel diffraction and Fraunhofer diffraction.

Complete step by step answer:
When a beam of light is incident on an obstacle, this beam of light bends from this obstacle. This phenomenon is known as diffraction of light.

The diffraction is of two types which are Fresnel diffraction and Fraunhofer diffraction.
The two points of difference between the Fresnel diffraction and Fraunhofer diffraction are as follows:

Note: The students should keep in mind that apart from the above given differences between the Fresnel diffraction and Fraunhofer diffraction, the Fresnel diffraction always need a plane surface for the diffraction to occur and the Fraunhofer diffraction always needs a spherical surface for the diffraction to occur.