In interference and diffraction, the light energy is redistributed. If it reduces in one region,producing a dark fringe, it increases in another region, producing a bright fringe.

A. As there is no gain or loss of energy, these phenomena are consistent with the principle of conservation of energy.
B. Diffraction and interference are characteristics exhibited only by light waves.

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Statement A says: “As there is no gain or loss of energy, these phenomena are consistent with the principle of conservation of energy.”

This is correct. In interference and diffraction the total energy of the light wave does not disappear; it is simply redistributed. Where destructive interference creates a dark fringe, the same amount of energy is found in the neighboring bright fringes. Thus the overall energy remains constant, satisfying the conservation‑of‑energy principle.

Statement B says: “Diffraction and interference are characteristics exhibited only by light waves.”

This is false. Diffraction and interference are fundamental wave phenomena that occur for any type of wave that can superpose, such as water waves, sound waves, radio waves, and even matter waves (e.g., electrons in a crystal lattice). Light waves are just one example.

Therefore, the correct choice is that A is true and B is false.