What is diffuse reflection?

Diffuse reflection occurs when light hits a rough or uneven surface and is scattered in many directions. This scattering happens because the surface irregularities cause the incoming light rays to reflect at various angles, rather than in a single, uniform direction. As a result of this scattering, diffuse reflection does not produce a clear image, but rather a soft, spread-out light that can illuminate a broader area.

In contrast, reflection on smooth surfaces leads to specular reflection, which results in clear images because the light rays reflect at the same angle they hit the surface. The other options describe concepts related to reflection but do not capture the essence of diffuse reflection. Thus, understanding that diffuse reflection involves the scattering of light helps clarify how we perceive shapes and colors differently when light interacts with various textures.