Why are reflective surfaces reflective? (ie a mirror, or a lake, or a window glass, or a piece of metal..etc)?

Answer 1

When light rays (or any electromagnetic rays, for that matter) strike an object, they either get absorbed or get reflected back. Certain objects, like glass or metal, do not absorb many light rays, so they bounce back. It has to do with the how tight and fine the molecular structure and bonds are, how many valence electrons are available and stuff like that.

Because EM waves will bounce off an object perpendicular to the surface which they impact, if the object has a flat, even surface, the rays will bounce off mostly parallel to each other, exactly as they impacted the object. As a result, we see a clear, accurate reflection of the original light source. If the object is rough, the light beams will scatter in many different directions, and we won't get a clear picture of the original object.

Answer 2

The solutions of foil and the interior a bag have been fantastically sturdy, yet once you desire something somewhat distinct overwhelmed metallic, like copper or bronze sheets, surprisingly polished make sturdy reflective surfaces. They have been the previous school mirrors in the previous the silver sponsored mirrors besides. this relies upon on how vast the mirrors desires to be and how lots you desire to spend. you are able to nicely be waiting to %. some up at a craft shop(copper) or a house progression place. there is likewise the alternative of obsidian stone, lower back counting on length and price. you additionally can purchase granite tiles from the abode progression place, or stone cutter, and function them decrease the tile. it relatively is surprisingly reflective. I used it for a desk real.

Answer 3

I think it's the pattern that the atoms/molecules make that makes them reflective.

Answer 4

most simply put, the surfaces do not absorb as much light as most other surfaces.

for more detailed infomation,
see here: http://www.play-hookey.com/optics/reflect1.html
or here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reflection_(physics)