Question

when light hits a smooth, shiny surface like a mirror, it follows a rule called the law of reflection. this rule says that the way light comes in (angle of incidence) is the same as the way it bounces off (angle of reflection). this works well on smooth surfaces like mirrors.
but, if the surface is bumpy or uneven, like some walls or paper, things change a bit. the light doesnt bounce off in the same way everywhere. this is called diffuse reflection, and it makes the reflection softer and less predictable. smooth surfaces follow a clear rule, but on bumpy ones, the light scatters, resulting in a less straightforward reflection in those cases.

choose the correct answer.
which of the following would be true of a light shining at a smooth mirror?
the light would scatter and disperse in unpredictable ways.
the light would reflect at the same angle that it was shone at.
the light would be completely absorbed by the mirror and not reflect.

Explanation:

The law of reflection states that when light hits a smooth surface like a mirror, the angle of incidence (the angle at which light comes in) is equal to the angle of reflection (the angle at which it bounces off). This is a fundamental principle in optics related to reflection from smooth surfaces.

• The first option ("The light would scatter and disperse in unpredictable ways") is incorrect because scattering occurs on bumpy or uneven surfaces (diffuse reflection), not smooth mirrors.
• The third option ("The light would be completely absorbed by the mirror and not reflect") is wrong as mirrors are designed to reflect light (not absorb it completely). Mirrors have a reflective coating that allows most of the incident light to bounce back.

Answer:

The light would reflect at the same angle that it was shone at.