This is a microscopic view of paper. What type of reflection occurs when light strikes paper? Justify your answer.

Sample Response: The surface of paper is rough, which causes incoming light rays to bounce off in a variety of different directions. Therefore, diffuse reflection occurs.

Whether a surface on which a beam of light incident upon is rough or smooth has a huge impact on the type of reflection that we get. Paper are microscopically rough in nature. So, when a beam of light strikes on it they reflect by diffusing into many different directions as the surface is not smooth. This is known as diffuse reflection. On the other hand, when a beam of light strikes on a smooth surface they follow a pattern of deflection like a bundle parallel to each other. This is called as specular reflection.