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(a) A wall reflects light and a mirror also reflects light. What difference is there in the way they reflect light?(b) Which type of reflection of light leads to the formation of images?
(a) The difference in the way of reflecting light from a wall and a mirror is given below:
| Wall Reflected Light | Mirror Reflected Light |
1. A wall has a rough surface, so the reflection by a wall is a diffuse reflection. | 1. A mirror has a smooth surface, so the reflection by a mirror is a regular reflection. |
2. Due to the rough surface of a wall, a parallel beam of light incident on it gets reflected in all directions. | 2. Due to the smooth surface of a mirror, a parallel beam of light incident on it gets reflected in only one direction. |
(b) Regular reflection from smooth surfaces like mirrors leads to the formation of images.
Explanation
1. Specular/ Regular reflection - It is the common mirror-like reflection of the light rays. In this type of reflection, the rays of light that are reflected from a smooth and shiny object such as a mirror, are reflected at a definitive angle and each incident ray which is reflected along with the reflected ray has the same angle to the normal as the incident ray. Thus, this type of reflection produces a clear image.
2. Diffused/ Irregular reflection - It is a non-mirror-like reflection of light rays. In this type of reflection, the rays of light hit an irregular object with a rough surface such as white marble, plaster, and wind-blown water, are reflected back and scatter in all directions. Here, incident ray is reflected at many angles rather than at just one angle as in the case of specular reflection. Thus, this type of reflection produces a disrupted image.
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