Chapter 12.1, Problem 2R

To determine

To Explain: Rubbing a mirror with sandpaper will affect the reflection of light.

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 reflection.
• Diffuse reflection.

Specular reflection can be defined as the light reflected from the smooth surface while the diffuse reflection is defined as the light that reflects from the rough surface.

Now, rubbing a mirror with sandpaper will make the surface of the mirror rougher. Hence, the mirror will undergo diffuse reflection.

Conclusion:

Hence, due to the rougher surface of the mirror, the mirror will produce a diffuse reflection.