Light Interactions at Surfaces Quiz

What happens to light when it encounters the surface of a different medium?

If a light source illuminates a black card surface, what is the primary outcome?

Which material would most likely transmit most of the light when illuminated?

What effect occurs when light strikes a mirror?

What unique phenomenon can occur at surfaces with fine structures?

Light Interactions at Surfaces

Light from an isotropic homogeneous source travels in straight rays and expanding wavefronts.
Light encountering an optical surface undergoes one or more of these three effects: reflection, absorption, and transmission.
Reflection: Light bounces back from the surface. The amount reflected depends on the materials.
Absorption: Light is converted into other forms of energy or absorbed (lost). The amount absorbed depends on the materials.
Transmission: Light passes through the surface into the new medium. The amount transmitted depends on the materials.

Examples of Effects

A black screen absorbs most light.
A white screen reflects most light.
A mirror reflects light in a specific way (details in Section 1.7).
Clear glass transmits most light.

Combined Effects

Reflection, absorption, and transmission always occur at an optical surface.
Sometimes one effect dominates, masking the others.
More unusual effects such as light absorption and re-emission at different wavelengths, can also occur.
Fine surface structures can lead to additional effects.

Test your understanding of how light interacts with different surfaces through reflection, absorption, and transmission. This quiz covers key examples and effects encountered in optics, providing insights into the behavior of light at optical boundaries. Explore each principle to enhance your knowledge of these fundamental concepts.