Log out Go to App
Go to App

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 9: Problem 2

Distinguish between specular reflection and diffuse reflection.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Answer: The key differences between specular and diffuse reflection lie in the way light interacts with the surface material and the resulting image. In specular reflection, light rays hit a smooth, reflective surface and bounce off in a single direction, maintaining the same angle with respect to the surface's normal. This produces a clear and sharp image, as seen in mirrors. In diffuse reflection, light rays hit a rough or uneven surface, scattering and reflecting in multiple directions. This results in a blurred or non-existent image, as experienced with a chalkboard.

Step by step solution

01

Understand Specular Reflection

Specular reflection occurs when light rays hit a smooth and reflective surface, such as a mirror or glossy material, and bounce off in a single direction. The angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection, meaning that the light rays maintain the same angle with respect to the surface's normal. This type of reflection produces a clear and sharp image.
02

Understand Diffuse Reflection

Diffuse reflection occurs when light rays hit a rough or uneven surface, such as a wall or textured material. In this case, the light rays scatter and reflect in multiple directions. Since the angle of incidence is not equal to the angle of reflection, the reflected image will appear blurred or non-existent.
03

Compare Specular Reflection and Diffuse Reflection

The primary difference between specular and diffuse reflection lies in the way light interacts with the surface material. In specular reflection, light rays bounce off a smooth surface in a single direction, producing a clear and sharp image. Conversely, in diffuse reflection, light rays scatter as they reflect off a rough surface, resulting in a blurred or non-existent image.
04

Use Examples

To better grasp the concepts of specular and diffuse reflection, consider these examples: 1. Mirrors exhibit specular reflection because they have a smooth surface that reflects light rays at the same angle as they hit the surface, producing a clear image. 2. A chalkboard, on the other hand, displays diffuse reflection due to its rough surface. Light rays hit the chalkboard at different angles and scatter, preventing a clear image from forming. Understanding the differences between specular and diffuse reflection is essential to fully comprehend light reflection phenomena in everyday life.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

Just before the Sun sets, a driver encounters sunlight reflecting off the side of a building. Will Polaroid sunglasses stop this glare? Why?

A piece of glass is immersed in water. If a light ray enters the glass from the water with an angle of incidence greater than zero, in which direction is the ray bent?

Indicate whether each of the following is a real image or a virtual image. (a) Image on the retina in a person's cye (b) Image one sees in a rearview mirror (c) Image one sees on a movie screen (d) Image one sees through a magnifying lens

Suppose you are told by close friends that they had witnessed a glo rious rainbow in the west just as the Sun was setting. Would you believe them? Why or why not?

An interference pattern is formed by sending red light through a. pair of narrow slits. If blue light is then used, the spacing of the bright areas (where constructive interference takes place) won't be the same. How will it be different? Why?
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Physics Textbooks

Oscillations

Read Explanation

Atoms and Radioactivity

Read Explanation

Physics of Motion

Read Explanation

Fields in Physics

Read Explanation

Wave Optics

Read Explanation

Work Energy and Power

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Sign-up for free