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A wave reflecting from an irregular surface experiences what is called as Diffuse or irregular Reflection. If light is reflected from a smooth surface (think of a mirror) then it is called specular reflection. With diffuse reflection, light goes off from the surface in a range of directions which does not create a reflected image. In diffuse reflection, one sees basically a chaotic sampling of light reflected from the object emitting the light and so normally one can detect little about shape and only get information about the colors of the light source.
Dull surface is a better absorber. A shiny surface would better reflect than absorb.
matte
A dull surface will absorb infrared best, but it needs to be dull at infrared wavelengths. Do not judge the infrared behavior by the visible performance.
A more definitive answer: If you look at a dull surface under a microscope you'll find that is is not smooth, even if it appears so to the naked eye. There are may microscopic bumps and depressions. This means that rather than a single, consistent surface there are many tiny surfaces facing in random directions. Light is subsequently reflected in random directions. In other words, there is no consistent reflection. Conversely, a shiny surface will appear much smoother. The irregularities on such a surface are generally too small to affect light in the visible spectrum. This means there is a single consistent surface for light to reflect from.
A wave reflecting from an irregular surface experiences what is called as Diffuse or irregular Reflection. If light is reflected from a smooth surface (think of a mirror) then it is called specular reflection. With diffuse reflection, light goes off from the surface in a range of directions which does not create a reflected image. In diffuse reflection, one sees basically a chaotic sampling of light reflected from the object emitting the light and so normally one can detect little about shape and only get information about the colors of the light source.
Highly polished metal was used for mirrors before switching to glass. While it will reflect, the metal needs to be kept polished or the reflection will dull.
After my opinion the fresh surface of copper is not dull.
Dull surface is a better absorber. A shiny surface would better reflect than absorb.
matte
Satin finish is characterized by surface appearance, that reflects light in a dull-yet-shiny way. Gloss finish creates surface with slightly rougher texture or to minimize glare and reflection.
A dull surface will absorb infrared best, but it needs to be dull at infrared wavelengths. Do not judge the infrared behavior by the visible performance.
Luster is: "The reflection of light from the surface of a mineral, described by its quality and intensity; the appearance of a mineral in reflected light." Common descriptive words would be glassy, dull, earthy, waxy, vitreous, metallic, etc...
Dull Black Surfaces
The fresh surface of neptunium is silvery.
A fresh surface of iron is shiny.
A more definitive answer: If you look at a dull surface under a microscope you'll find that is is not smooth, even if it appears so to the naked eye. There are may microscopic bumps and depressions. This means that rather than a single, consistent surface there are many tiny surfaces facing in random directions. Light is subsequently reflected in random directions. In other words, there is no consistent reflection. Conversely, a shiny surface will appear much smoother. The irregularities on such a surface are generally too small to affect light in the visible spectrum. This means there is a single consistent surface for light to reflect from.