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AP Physics 2
13.1 Reflection
BeginnerMCQConceptual18.5k
Two side-by-side diagrams labeled (a) Polished Metal and (b) Rough Paper. In diagram (a), a flat horizontal line represents a smooth surface. Three parallel downward-pointing arrows labeled incident rays strike the surface at a 45-degree angle. Three parallel upward-pointing arrows labeled reflected rays leave the surface at a 45-degree angle to the right. In diagram (b), a bumpy horizontal line represents a rough surface. Three parallel downward-pointing arrows strike different bumps on the surface. Three upward-pointing arrows leave the surface in three different, scattered directions to the upper-right, straight up, and upper-left. Dashed normal lines perpendicular to the surface at each point of contact are shown. No other labels, lines, text, or axes appear.
Comparison of specular reflection from a smooth surface and diffuse reflection from a rough surface.
A narrow beam of parallel light rays is directed onto a smooth, polished metal plate and then onto an unpolished sheet of white paper. The light reflecting from the metal plate forms a clear specular reflection, whereas the light reflecting from the paper undergoes diffuse reflection and scatters in many directions. Which of the following statements correctly explains why diffuse reflection occurs at the paper surface and whether the law of reflection applies to the individual light rays?

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