Specular & Diffuse Reflection
Specular Reflection
- Specular reflection is defined as:
Reflection from a smooth surface in a single direction
- When light reflects off a smooth surface, such as a mirror, specular reflection occurs
- This is what gives a mirror its shiny appearance
- This is why a reflection can be seen clearly in a mirror
- In this case, the angle of reflection r is equal to the angle of incidence i
When reflecting off a mirror, the specular reflection occurs. The angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection
Diffuse Reflection
- Diffuse reflection is defined as:
Reflection from a rough surface causes scattering
- When light reflects off a rough surface, which applies to the majority of surfaces, diffuse reflection occurs
- This is what gives objects a dull or matt appearance
- This is why a reflection cannot be seen clearly from a table surface, for example
- Even though a table's surface may look smooth from afar, it is actually made up of many tiny ridges which the light rays are scattered off
- When light scatters, it leaves the surface in all directions
When light is reflected from the majority of surfaces it is scattered – a process known as diffuse reflection
