Answer to Question #91748 in Optics for jane montgomery

Question

Describe the difference between what we see in a specular reflection versus a diffuse reflection.

Answer 1

If a parallel beam of light rays retains its parallelism after reflection from the surface, such reflection is called mirror, otherwise diffuse. Thanks to diffuse reflection we can see the bodies around us. The reflected light forms only a narrow beam during specular reflection. Therefore, the field of view is limited.