Question

Explain the conceptual difference between the refraction and diffraction of light.

Answer 1

REFLECTION: When light falling on a surface retraces back into the same medium , it is said to be reflected. REFRACTION: the phenomenon of deviation of light rays from their original path while passing from one medium to another due to change of speed of light in other medium is called refraction.

Answer 2

Refraction is when light enters a different medium than it was in before and bends. It is accompanied by a bending of the light and a change in its speed.

Diffraction is when light bends around obstacles or openings in barriers but doesn't involve the light entering a different medium.