Sixth graders came to an agreement about how light interacts with different materials. Materials that are smooth allow light to interact with it in a v-shaped, predictable pattern, and this is how we're able to see our reflections. We saw real-world examples of this in wet pavement and in polished shoes. Materials that may appear smooth but don't give off a reflection are actually bumpy. These types of surfaces, and those that are obviously bumpy to our sense of touch, allow light to scatter from their surfaces. The unpredictable nature of light bouncing in every which way allows us to see the actual object, but not a reflection.
We're using this newly revised light model to explain some natural phenomena! Check back soon!
We're using this newly revised light model to explain some natural phenomena! Check back soon!