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Diffusion vs Refraction - What's the difference?

diffusion | refraction |

In physics terms the difference between diffusion and refraction

is that diffusion is the intermingling of the molecules of a fluid due to random thermal agitation while refraction is the turning or bending of any wave, such as a light or sound wave, when it passes from one medium into another of different optical density.

As nouns the difference between diffusion and refraction

is that diffusion is the act of diffusing or dispersing something, or the property of being diffused or dispersed; dispersion while refraction is the turning or bending of any wave, such as a light or sound wave, when it passes from one medium into another of different optical density.

diffusion

English

Noun

(en noun)
  • the act of diffusing or dispersing something, or the property of being diffused or dispersed; dispersion
  • (physics) the scattering of light by reflection from a rough surface, or by passage through a translucent medium
  • (physics) the intermingling of the molecules of a fluid due to random thermal agitation
  • the spread of cultural or linguistic practices, or social institutions, in one or more communities
  • (physics, weather) Exchange of airborne media between regions in space in an apparently random motion of a small scale.
  • the movement of water vapor from regions of high concentration (high water vapor pressure) toward regions of lower concentration.

    • refraction

    English

    (wikipedia refraction)

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • (physics) The turning or bending of any wave, such as a light or sound wave, when it passes from one medium into another of different optical density.
  • (metallurgy) The degree to which a metal or compound can withstand heat

    • Related terms

    * refractive * refractory

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