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The amount of light reflected depends on the smoothness of the surface --
smooth reflects better than rough. The amount absorbed depends on the color
of the surface -- dark colors absorb better than light; flat black absorbs
best of all.

Also, the angle at which the light strikes the object has an effect on the
amount absorbed and/or reflected. If the rays strike the surface straight
down at a 90 degree angle, absorption is favored and reflection less favored.
If the light strikes the surface at a low angle, reflection is favored over
absorption.

However, the interplay of these factors and the composition of the surface
can complicate things greatly. Consider also the difference between a black
(or white) car and a black (or white) bath towel -- or the difference between
a glass mirror and a piece of glass covered with a film of flat black soot.
Finally, large differences can occur if the light can penetrate into the
surface. The greater the penetration, the less the reflection and the more
the absorption.

http://www.newton.dep.anl.gov/askasci/phy00/phy00232.htm

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Absorption and reflection are two ways in which light and sound waves interact with surfaces. Absorption occurs when waves are taken in by a material, converting their energy into heat. Reflection, on the other hand, happens when waves bounce off a surface without being absorbed. In the context of light and sound waves, absorption and reflection are related in that they both affect how waves behave when they encounter different materials or surfaces.


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Absorption, reflection and refraction will all change of the movement of P waves. Absorption will reduce the energy of the waves. Reflection will bounce the waves back. Refraction will change the angle of the waves based on what they are bouncing off of.


What are the 3 properties of light?

The three properties of light are reflection, refraction, and absorption. Reflection occurs when light bounces off a surface, refraction is the bending of light as it passes through different materials, and absorption is the process of light being taken in and converted into other forms of energy.


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Related Questions

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