Diffuse reflections occur when light scatters off rough or irregular surfaces, such as matte or textured surfaces. The scattered light reflects in various directions, leading to a lack of clear images or sharp details in the reflection.
- Most objects produce diffuse reflections as light scatters off their surfaces in random directions. It is often almost impossible to pick out the shape or colour of objects in a diffuse refection.
- All objects obey the law of reflection on a microscopic level.
- If the irregularities on the surface of an object are larger than the wavelengths of the incident light, light reflects in all directions and produces diffuse reflections.
- A diffuse reflection is easily distinguished from the mirror-like qualities of a specular reflection.
Related diagrams
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