Specular/Regular Reflection
In regular reflection, all the light that falls on the reflecting surface is reflected in a definite direction. It is produced on smooth surfaces like mirror, highly polished surfaces. Regular reflection can appear much brighter than diffuse reflections when seen from a large distance, because the reflected light is concentrated in a definite direction.
What You Need To Know About Regular Reflection
- Regular reflection occurs when a parallel beam of light falls on a plane mirror band is reflected as a parallel beam.
- It is produced on smooth surfaces like mirror, highly polished surfaces.
- Parallel rays remain parallel after reflection (reflected rays are in one direction).
- Regular reflection gives glaze to the eyes, making an object not clear visible.
- Reflection of sunlight from a metallic car body, silver or gold surfaces are an example of regular reflection.
Irregular/Diffuse Reflection
In irregular reflection, all the light that falls on the reflecting surface is not reflected in a definite direction. It is produced on rough and uneven surfaces like paper, cardboard, unpolished objects, wood etc. Reflection of light from a stone or asphalt road is an example of diffuse reflection. Laws of reflection still apply in irregular reflection, because the incident rays strike different regions which are inclined at different angles to each other, resulting in the outgoing rays being reflected at many different angles.
What You Need To Know About Diffuse Reflection
- A diffuse reflection occurs on rough surfaces where a parallel beam of light is reflected in all directions.
- It is produced on rough surfaces and uneven like paper, cardboard, unpolished objects, wood etc.
- Reflected rays are scattered in different directions relative to the angle of incidence.
- Diffuse reflection makes objects visible.
- Reflection of light from a stone or asphalt road is an example of diffuse reflection.
Also Read: Difference Between Reflection And Refraction Of Light
Difference Between Regular And Diffuse Reflection In Tabular Form
| BASIS OF COMPARISON | REGULAR REFLECTION | DIFFUSE REFLECTION |
| Description | Regular reflection occurs when a parallel beam of light falls on a plane mirror band is reflected as a parallel beam. | A diffuse reflection occurs on rough surfaces where a parallel beam of light is reflected in all directions. |
| Surface of Occurrence | It is produced on smooth surfaces like mirror, highly polished surfaces. | It is produced on rough surfaces like paper, cardboard, unpolished objects, wood etc. |
| Reflected Rays | Parallel rays remain parallel after reflection (reflected rays are in one direction). | Reflected rays are scattered in different directions relative to the angle of incidence. |
| Effect | Regular reflection gives glaze to the eyes, making an object not clear visible. | Diffuse reflection makes objects visible. |
| Examples | Reflection of sunlight from a metallic car body, silver or gold surfaces are an example of regular reflection. | Reflection of light from a stone or asphalt road is an example of diffuse reflection. |
Also Read: Difference Between Real And Virtual Image