Why some materials reflect light more than others?

[Physicsissuef]

why some materials reflect light more than others?

 

[BWElbert]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reflection_(physics)"

The first part of this article is very exact in the explanation that light waves will reflect off of every surface they come in contact with; however, unless a surface is perfectly or nearly perfectly reflective, the light waves will return as simply diffused reflections of the energy.

For example, say I have a mirror that is totally flat and absolutely reflective. When I look at it, I see the reflection of whatever light waves are hitting upon it -those are the incident waves. I am seeing the resultant or reflection waves. Now, if I take the same mirror and coat it with peanut butter, I have a much less reflective surface. The light waves hitting it are still the same, however they are now being tossed and mixed about because the surface is granular and no longer flat. The energy (light) is still reflecting off of it, just not in the same clear manner that the original mirror reflected it.

 

[astrokreng]

The amount of light reflected by a material depends on its physical properties, such as its surface texture and chemical composition. Smooth materials, like glass or metal, tend to reflect more light because their surfaces are able to reflect the light waves in a more uniform and organized manner. Additionally, materials with a higher refractive index, such as diamond, are able to bend and reflect more light, making them appear more reflective. On the other hand, rough or porous materials, like paper or fabric, tend to scatter the light in different directions, resulting in less reflection. Finally, the color of a material also plays a role in its reflective properties. Light-colored materials, such as white or silver, reflect more light than darker materials, as they are better able to reflect all wavelengths of light. Overall, the reflective properties of a material are determined by a combination of its physical and chemical characteristics, making some materials more reflective than others.