Question

What causes a regular reflection?

A. Light waves strike a rough, uneven surface at a 45 degree angle and are reflected back at a 90 degree angle.

B. Parallel light waves strike a smooth, polished surface and reflect back in the same direction.

C. Parallel light waves strike a rough, uneven surface and reflect in different directions.

D. Light waves strike a smooth, polished surface at a 90 degree angle and are reflected back at a 45 degree angle.

Answer 1

The answer is B. A regular reflection is when a beam of parallel light rays hits a smooth and plane surface and reflects back parallel as well.

Answer 2

Option B. Parallel light waves strike a smooth, polished surface and reflect back in the same direction.

Step-by-step explanation:

Thinking process:

Light possess a dual nature. It has got wave properties as well as particle (electron-like) properties. This means that light travels in pockets or quanta.

When lights hits a smooth shiny surface, it is immediately reflected back. This can be expressed by the wave equation:

`sin i = sin r`

Where i is the incident ray - the ray that hits the surface

an r is the reflected ray - the ray that leaves the surface.

If the surface is polished and even, it means that the angle of incident is equal to the angle of reflection.

Hence option B is correct.