Mission RM4 Regular vs. Diffuse Reflection
Which one of the following phenomena is best explained by the diffuse reflection of light rays? Include all that apply.
Diffuse reflection occurs when a beam of light (a collection of several individual light rays) reflects off a rough surface. Each individual light ray within the beam approaches the surface parallel to each other. Upon reflection, the individual light rays within the original beam scatter (or diffuse) in different directions.
Look directly into a mirror - what do you see? Yes. When you look in a mirror, you see an image of yourself - a clear and focused image. A mirror is a smooth surface that causes mostly regular or specular reflection and the formation of clear images. A mirror is not the only surface which leads to regular or specular reflection. Any microscopically smooth surface can result in such specular reflection. The result is always the formation of images. Even highly glossed paper or a wet asphalt roadway can lead to specular reflection.
Now look in a sheet of white paper - what do you see? Yes. When you look at a sheet of white paper, you see a sheet of white paper. A sheet of paper is a microscopically rough surface that leads to diffuse reflection and the lack of image formation.
