Does light reflect in mirrors in vacuum the same as in air?

Question

I heard this from a friend of mine, that in vacuum when light hits the mirror it doesn't bounce back -it acts like coal or anything black in air. But i don't really believe this, and am too lazy to calculate the effects, so i just ask you guys. If anyone knows somehing WORTHY OF TELLING about this, then please, do so.

Oh, and i've heard enough crap about this, so please write only if u are good at this part of physics...

When i said crap i meant stuff like ThePack wrote...

Answer 1

Well I think their theory is garbage. I have actually reflected laser light off a satellite at 12,000 kl. and measured the time with an accuracy of 10 cm. A mirror will reflect the same in the air or space. The Lazar was green at 1 GW. which is strong enough to blind a person at 50 miles.

Answer 2

Ok dude.... you really want to know


LIGHT TRAVELLS AS FAR AS IT CAN IE INFINITY

UNLESS IT IS BLOCKED/ REFLECTED/ REFRACTED

air does all three
vacuum by its nature does neither

Only places with Extensive gravity ( black holes- ..)
can prevent light from travelling.
the gravity pulls photons in.

so Vacuum would let Light pass. But since there is nothing to obstruct light.. you can not see it ie the feeling is..

lack of light= final point

to see light something has to be in the path

- could be you.....
could be anything including air particles........

hope this helps..

Answer 3

It would reflect but not at the same angle. Interestingly if an object could travel faster than light in a complete vacuum, it would be travelling backward in time!

Answer 4

actually, in a vacuum, light will reflect back with less refraction because there is no air to cause distortion. Your friend is yanking your chain buddy.