or why do things reflect light - has it something to do with the atomic structure of their molecules or becoz of their surface or the package of their molecules ---- what ACTULLY HAPPENS?
2006-09-08 02:41:10 · 4 answers · asked by 2009 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
Reflection occurs when light hits a surface and bounces off to your eyes. So if you a reflection of a ball in a mirror, light coming from a source(sun, bulbs) hits the ball and bounces off to hit the mirror from where it bounces off to hit the eyes when you actually see.
The reason some surfaces reflect some do not is because of the smoothness of the item. If you cannot see reflection in certain metal piece, keep polishing it and u will be able to see the reflection because it gets smoother. AT microscopic level, those item which do not reflect are very rough no matter how smooth they feel.
2006-09-09 01:47:17 · answer #1 · answered by shakkill 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A mirror is a thin glass brick. Refraction occurs once when the light impinges on the first surface of the brick . This refracted light impinges on the second surface. But another refraction is blocked by lead salt covering the other surface of mirror..The light travels back along the same path and into the side of surface through which it impinged on the mirror to show the image.Other smooth shining reflecting surfaces must also be thought of as thin metal or other bricks.
2006-09-08 10:06:23 · answer #2 · answered by J.SWAMY I ఇ జ స్వామి 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
basically the light hits the surface of the object you are looking at and then hits your eyes so you can see it. when you look in a mirror because it is shiny you can see yourself and other objects (which the light has bounced off of) in the mirror
2006-09-08 09:44:47 · answer #3 · answered by Ruth W 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Recommend you read Feinman's book Q.E.D.
2006-09-13 14:20:58 · answer #4 · answered by rwbblb46 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋