Random scattering occurs when a material, due to irregularities or imperfections on its surface, reflects or transmits lightrays in various unpredictable directions.
Reflected light may appear hazy or lack detail, or there may be no clear reflection at all.
When light passes through sheets of glass with irregular yet smooth surfaces, random scattering distorts the view of the world beyond, making the image blurry and confused.
A reflection that is free of the effects of random scattering is called a specular reflection. Mirrors generally produce specular reflections.
Diffuse light
Diffuse light is a specific type of random scattering that occurs when light bounces off rough or uneven surfaces.
In these cases, the light scatters in all directions, creating a soft, even glow.
The overall structure and composition of a material can also cause diffuse light.
This happens when light travels through a medium that contains foreign materials, suspended particles, or has an irregular internal structure or variations in density.
Translucent materials containing dissolved substances, however, typically don’t cause random scattering because the particles are too small.
On a microscopic scale, all objects adhere to the law of reflection; however, when surface irregularities are larger than the wavelength of light, the light undergoes scattering leading to diffusion.