Reflection is one of several ways that light can interact with matter. Light reflects off surfaces such as mirrors that do not transmit or absorb light. When light is reflected from a smooth surface, it may form an image. An image is a copy of an object that is formed by reflected (or refracted) light. Q: Is an image an actual object? If not, what is it? A: No, an image isnt an actual object. It is focused rays of light that make a copy of an object, like a picture projected on a screen.  If a surface is extremely smooth, as it is in a mirror, then the image formed by reflection is sharp and clear. This is called regular reflection (also called specular reflection). However, if the surface is even slightly rough or bumpy, an image may not form, or if there is an image, it is blurry or fuzzy. This is called diffuse reflection. Q: Look at the boats and their images in the Figure 1.1. Which one represents regular reflection, and which one represents diffuse reflection? A: Reflection of the boat on the left is regular reflection. The water is smooth and the image is sharp and clear. Reflection of the boat on the right is diffuse reflection. The water has ripples and the image is blurry and wavy. In the Figure 1.2, you can see how both types of reflection occur. Waves of light are represented by arrows called rays. Rays that strike the surface are referred to as incident rays, and rays that reflect off the surface are known as reflected rays. In regular reflection, all the rays are reflected in the same direction. This explains why regular reflection forms a clear image. In diffuse reflection, the rays are reflected in many different directions. This is why diffuse reflection forms, at best, a blurry image.  One thing is true of both regular and diffuse reflection. The angle at which the reflected rays leave the surface is equal to the angle at which the incident rays strike the surface. This is known as the law of reflection. The law is illustrated in the Figure 1.3.
Reflection is one of several ways that light can interact with matter . Light reflects off surfaces such as mirrors that do not transmit or absorb light . When light is reflected from a smooth surface , it may form an image . An image is a copy of an object that is formed by reflected ( or refracted ) light . Q : Is an image an actual object ? If not , what is it ? A : No , an image is nt an actual object . It is focused rays of light that make a copy of an object , like a picture projected on a screen . If a surface is extremely smooth , as it is in a mirror , then the image formed by reflection is sharp and clear . This is called regular reflection ( also called specular reflection ) . However , if the surface is even slightly rough or bumpy , an image may not form , or if there is an image , it is blurry or fuzzy . This is called diffuse reflection . Q : Look at the boats and their images in the Figure 1.1 . Which one represents regular reflection , and which one represents diffuse reflection ? A : Reflection of the boat on the left is regular reflection . The water is smooth and the image is sharp and clear . Reflection of the boat on the right is diffuse reflection . The water has ripples and the image is blurry and wavy . In the Figure 1.2 , you can see how both types of reflection occur . Waves of light are represented by arrows called rays . Rays that strike the surface are referred to as incident rays , and rays that reflect off the surface are known as reflected rays . In regular reflection , all the rays are reflected in the same direction . This explains why regular reflection forms a clear image . In diffuse reflection , the rays are reflected in many different directions . This is why diffuse reflection forms , at best , a blurry image . One thing is true of both regular and diffuse reflection . The angle at which the reflected rays leave the surface is equal to the angle at which the incident rays strike the surface . This is known as the law of reflection . The law is illustrated in the Figure 1.3 .
rays of light are reflected in many different directions in
rays of light are reflected in many different directions in
diffuse reflection.
diffuse reflection.