CameraIcon
CameraIcon
SearchIcon
MyQuestionIcon
MyQuestionIcon
1
You visited us 1 times! Enjoying our articles? Unlock Full Access!
Question

A white paper looks white because it reflects all the colours. Whereas though a mirror reflects all types of light it is not white. Why?

Open in App
Solution

A white object reflects the light in all the directions, independently of the original direction. It is called a diffuse reflection. If you shine a beam of light onto a white surface, it is scattered in all the directions.
On the other hand, a mirror reflect the light symmetrically to the input direction, with no scattering. This is what allows us to see "through" the mirror.
That is why mirror doesnt appear white.

flag
Suggest Corrections
thumbs-up
1
Join BYJU'S Learning Program
similar_icon
Related Videos
thumbnail
lock
Allotropes of Carbon
CHEMISTRY
Watch in App
Join BYJU'S Learning Program
CrossIcon