Question

Identify on which of the following, Specular reflection would most likely to occur :
A. Cat’s fur
B. Wall
C. Sheet of paper
D. Ceiling
E. mirror

Answer 1

Hint:-In order to solve the above problem we must know the condition of Specular reflection and one by one we will examine each option to find the condition of specular reflection.
In specular reflection:
Angle of incidence = angle of reflection
$i = r$ (i is angle of incidence and r is the angle of reflection.

Complete step-by-step solution:Specular Reflection: It is also known as regular reflection occurs when reflection of light on a smooth surface , where angle of reflection is equal to the angle of incidence, but on the side which is opposite to the normal surface.
We need to fulfil two conditions for specular reflection:
Angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection.
The surface on which reflection occurs must be smooth.
Now , let’s check out each option for the above conditions to be satisfied .
Cat’s fur : surface is not at all smooth.
Wall : wall may have angle of incidence equal to angle of reflection but surface is not smooth at microscopic level.
Sheet of paper : surface of paper is also not smooth at microscopic level.
Ceiling surface : It may satisfy angle relation but surface is not smooth.
Mirror : mirror has smooth surface even at microscopic level and also has angle of reflection equal to angle of incidence .
Therefore, option (E) is correct.

Note:- Reflection shown by wall, paper sheet, ceiling surface is called diffuse reflection because the surface is not smooth .Reflected waves distribute themselves in different directions and angle of incidence does not become equal to angle of reflection.