Reflection, Transmission, Absorption, part 2

Two types of Reflection: 1. Diffuse Reflection and 2. Specular Reflection

Diffuse Reflection- Light rays from an object are scattered when they are reflected by the uneven surface. No image of the object is seen on the surface.

Specular Reflection- Light waves coming from an object are all reflected in the same direction by the smooth surface. An image of the object can be seen on the surface.

Diffuse Reflection Specular Reflection

The bathroom walls produce specular reflection of sound. Diffuse Reflection Specular Reflection The bathroom walls produce specular reflection of sound. This classroom’s walls produce diffuse reflection of sound. A recording studio’s walls would absorb most sound.

Remember- “white light” from a bulb or the sun is actually a combination of all colors of the rainbow: ROYGBIV Here we also see an incoming light wave from the left being partially reflected upward, and partially transmitted into the prism.

The color of an object is determined by the color of light that is reflected. All the other colors are absorbed. This is known as selective absorption and reflection.

Or, an object’s color may be due to certain colors being transmitted instead of absorbed:

The glass that makes up the walls of this fish tank transmits light The glass that makes up the walls of this fish tank transmits light. Therefore we can see the fish inside the tank.