Light

• Specular Reflection 


  When light reflects off a smooth surface, such as a mirror, specular reflection occurs. This is reflection from a smooth surface in a single direction.
• • When light reflects off a rough surface, diffuse reflection occurs. This is what gives most objects a dull or matte appearance.
  • This is why a reflection cannot be seen clearly from a table surface, for example. Even though a table's surface may look smooth, it is actually made up of many tiny ridges which the light rays are scattered off.
  • Reflection from a rough surface causes scattering. When light scatters, it leaves the surface in all directions.
• Transmission 


  Will pass through a block.
• Absorption


  Energy from the incident ray is used to heat the particles (increase kinetic energy)
• Opaque 


  no light can pass through it
• Transparent


  all light can pass through it
• Translucent


  Some light is transmitted - rest is reflected or absorbed