How does diffraction and interference contribute to the behavior of light waves?

Diffraction and interference are phenomena that affect the behavior of light waves. Diffraction occurs when light waves bend around obstacles or pass through small openings, causing them to spread out. Interference happens when two or more light waves overlap and either reinforce or cancel each other out. These phenomena play a significant role in shaping how light waves propagate and interact with each other, ultimately influencing the overall behavior of light.