Which of the following statements regarding wave phenomena is...

In an interference pattern, the principle of conservation of energy is strictly obeyed. The light energy is not destroyed, absorbed by the screen, or dissipated as heat at the dark fringes. Instead, it is spatially redistributed such that the energy 'missing' at the dark fringes exactly compensates for the increased energy at the bright fringes.

Sound waves are mechanical waves and can undergo interference and diffraction just like light waves.

The average intensity in an interference pattern is exactly equal to the sum of the individual intensities ($I_{avg} = I_1 + I_2$), which confirms that total energy is conserved over the entire screen.

Diffraction is a characteristic of all types of waves, including matter waves (like electrons), as demonstrated by the Davisson-Germer experiment.

Thus, the statement claiming energy is absorbed at dark fringes is conceptually incorrect.

Answer: During the formation of a dark fringe in an interference pattern, the light energy is absorbed by the screen and dissipated as heat.