Chapter 12, Problem 16STP

To determine

The comparison of roughness of the surface to the wavelengths of lights that it reflects.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

When a ray of light strikes on the surface of an object it bounces back and this process can be defined as the reflection of light.

Reflection of light can be divided into two types:

• Specular or regular reflection.
• Diffuse reflection.

Specular reflection can be defined as the light reflected from the smooth surface. To generate such kind of reflection, the roughness of the surface of the object must be less than the wavelengths of light which is reflected.

Conclusion:

Hence, the roughness should be less as compared to the wavelengths of the light.