Question

Diffusion by reflection from a rough surface is described in this chapter. Light can also be diffused by refraction. Describe how this occurs in a specific situation, such as light interacting with crushed ice.

Short answer

Light is emitted in multiple directions, with the intensity decreasing in one of them.

Step-by-step solution

Definition of reflection and refraction

When waves bounce off a barrier, the direction of the waves changes, wave refraction is the change in the direction of waves as they pass from one medium to another.

The bending of the path of the waves, known as refraction, is accompanied by a change in the speed and wavelength of the waves.

Explanation

Using crushed ice as an example. A portion of the light is reflected from the ice's surface in multiple directions. This effect, known as diffusion, can also occur as a result of refraction. A portion of the light that shines on ice is absorbed, a portion is reflected, and a portion is refracted. This implies that it will pass through the ice, changing its wavelength and angle.

This new angle is determined by the angle of the entering surface, which means that if there are multiple angles, as is the case with rough surfaces, there will also be multiple exit angles. This causes light to shine in multiple directions, reducing its intensity in one direction and, as a result, defusing it.