Difference between interference and diffraction?

Key Differences Between Diffraction and Interference

1. Diffraction is the result of light propagation from distinct part of the same wavefront. While interference is the result of the interaction of light coming from two separate wavefronts.
2. The width of the fringes in case of diffraction is not equal while the fringe width in case of interference is equal.
3. Diffraction possesses poor contrast between maxima and minima while interference exhibits good contrast between maxima and minima.
4. For diffraction to take place slit or obstacle is necessarily required but for wave interference there exists no such requirement.
5. Due to diffraction, the direction of propagation of wave gets changed. Whereas in case of interference the superposed wave travels in the same direction.
6. In diffraction the spacing between different fringes is non-uniform. However, in the case of interference, the spacing between the fringes exhibits uniform nature.
7. The minimum intensity points in the case of diffraction are not completely dark. As against in case of interference, the points of minimum intensity shows complete darkness.