Diffuse reflection happens when light rays strike a surface that is rough or irregular at the microscopic level. Instead of reflecting in a single direction (as with a smooth mirror), the rays scatter in many directions.
Surface Roughness: Even if a material looks smooth to the naked eye, under a microscope it may have bumps, scratches, or grain.
When light hits these irregularities, each tiny facet reflects the ray at a different angle.
As a result, the reflected light is scattered, producing diffuse reflection.
Matte or unpolished surfaces (paper, cloth, painted walls, frosted glass).
Porous or uneven textures that disrupt the uniform reflection of light.
Surface coatings (like frosted finishes) deliberately engineered to scatter light.
A mirror gives specular reflection because its surface is smooth at the microscopic level.
A white wall gives diffuse reflection—light scatters so you can see the wall from any angle.
Frosted glass diffuses light, letting brightness through while obscuring clear images.
Makes objects visible from many directions (why we can see non-glossy objects).
Used in lighting design (diffusers in lamps scatter light evenly).
Helps avoid glare in workspaces and photography.
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