lightreflecting

Light reflecting is the process by which light rays bounce off a surface and change direction. The behavior of reflected light depends on the surface texture and the materials involved.

There are two main types of reflection. Specular reflection occurs on smooth, polished surfaces and produces a clear image, as rays reflect at equal angles relative to the surface normal. Diffuse reflection happens on rough surfaces, scattering light in many directions and producing a soft, non-glossy appearance. The law of reflection states that, for an ideal smooth surface, the angle of incidence equals the angle of reflection with respect to the surface normal. In real materials, this relation is approached but can vary due to microscopic roughness and material properties.

The amount and character of reflected light are governed by the boundary between media with different refractive indices. Partial reflection and transmission occur according to the Fresnel equations, and some energy may be absorbed by the material. The wavelength of light, surface roughness, and angle of incidence influence both the intensity and the polarization of reflected light. Coatings and multilayer structures can enhance or suppress reflection for specific wavelengths.

Practically, light reflection affects the appearance of objects (color and brightness), the design of mirrors and optical instruments, and the efficiency of devices such as solar panels and sensors. Reflectance is often described by albedo or reflectance spectra, illustrating how surfaces reflect light across wavelengths.