Question

According to the Newton's corpuscular theory, the laws of reflection of light were explained on the basis of,

• A. Inelastic collision of particles of light with the surface it is incident upon.
• B. Elastic collision of particles of light with the surface it is incident upon.
• C. Assuming that source of light emits wavefronts.
• D. None of the above

Answer 1

The correct option is B Elastic collision of particles of light with the surface it is incident upon.

Newton could explain the laws of reflection of light on the basis of elastic collisions of the particles of light with the surface it is incident upon. If the collisions are elastic, the particle only undergo change in direction of travel, while there is no change in magnitudes of velocity or momentum.

Hence, $\left(B\right)$ is the correct answer.

$\begin{array}{c}\text{Why this question?}\\ \text{Note:- Newton's corpuscular theory could explain the laws of reflection and refraction of light.}\end{array}$