Why are shiny surfaces good reflectors of light ? Explain .
Dear student
Whenever we talk about the light and its interaction with any surface, there are three phenomenon that can occur. First is the reflection,i.e, how easily a light can retrace its path if it strikes the surface. Second is the transmittance, that is decided by the ease with which light can be allowed to pass through the material. The third is the absorption, how much light can be absorbed by the materials. The overall value of the sum of these three phenomenon is a constant. Now for shiny material, the value of transmittance and absorptance is less and hence reflection is maximum so they tend to reflect almost every light wave that falls on them .
Regards
Whenever we talk about the light and its interaction with any surface, there are three phenomenon that can occur. First is the reflection,i.e, how easily a light can retrace its path if it strikes the surface. Second is the transmittance, that is decided by the ease with which light can be allowed to pass through the material. The third is the absorption, how much light can be absorbed by the materials. The overall value of the sum of these three phenomenon is a constant. Now for shiny material, the value of transmittance and absorptance is less and hence reflection is maximum so they tend to reflect almost every light wave that falls on them .
Regards