Question Analysis: Assertion-Reason type question.

Step 1 (Governing Law & Conceptual Basis): [0.5 Mark]

The phenomenon of interference and diffraction is governed by the Principle of Conservation of Energy. According to this principle, energy can neither be created nor destroyed; it can only be redistributed. In interference/diffraction, the total energy remains constant, but it is redistributed from the regions of destructive interference (dark fringes) to the regions of constructive interference (bright fringes).

Step 2 (Step-by-Step Logical Deduction): [0.25 Mark]

• Assertion (A): The statement is True. Light energy is indeed redistributed, leading to a decrease in intensity at dark fringes ($I_{min} = 0$ for coherent sources) and an increase at bright fringes ($I_{max} = 4I_0$).
• Reason (R): The statement is False. The redistribution of energy does not imply a violation of the law of conservation of energy. The total energy integrated over the entire interference/diffraction pattern remains equal to the sum of the energies of the individual sources.

Step 3 (Final Concluded Answer): [0.25 Mark]

Correct Option: Assertion (A) is true, but Reason (R) is false.

💡 EL10 Concept Insight: Think of it like a crowded room where people move from the corners (dark spots) to the center (bright spots); the total number of people in the room stays exactly the same, they just shifted their positions!