Question

Read the given statements and select the correct option.

Statement 1: Parallel rays are incident on a surface but the reflected rays are not parallel. This type of reflection is called diffused reflection.
Statement 2: Diffused reflection occurs due to the failure of the laws of reflection.

• A. Both statements 1 and 2 are false.
• B. Both statements 1 and 2 are true, but statement 2 is not the correct explanation of statement 1.
• C. Both statements 1 and 2 are true, and statement 2 is the correct explanation of statement 1.
• D. Statement 1 is true, but statement 2 is false.

Answer 1

The correct option is D Statement 1 is true, but statement 2 is false.

When a beam of parallel light rays is incident on a surface, and if the reflected light rays are also parallel then such a type of reflection is called regular reflection.
Example is reflection from a smooth surface.

On the other hand, if the reflected rays are not parallel to each other then such a type of reflection is called irregular or diffused reflection.
Example is reflection from a rough surface.


Since light always has to follow the laws of reflections (i.e., the angle of incidence must be equal to the angle of reflection) irrespective of the nature of the surface, the light rays have to reflect in different directions.

Thus, the diffused reflection is not due to the failure of the laws of reflection. It is caused by irregularities in the reflecting surface.