There's a decent explanation here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gloss_(material_appearance )Aeoghur said:Hey all. First time posting here. Not that i know worth a damn on physics; I'm just interested. Anyways...
What are the properties of objects that reflect less light (matte) and more light (satin/gloss/etc.)?
Why does it happen?
Some objects reflect more light than others because of their surface properties. Objects with smooth and highly polished surfaces are more likely to reflect light, creating a brighter appearance. On the other hand, objects with rough or matte surfaces tend to absorb more light, resulting in a dimmer appearance.
The amount of light an object reflects is determined by its albedo, which is a measure of how much light it reflects compared to how much it absorbs. Objects with high albedo, such as mirrors, reflect most of the light that hits them, while objects with low albedo, such as black surfaces, absorb most of the light.
Yes, the color of an object can affect the amount of light it reflects. Objects that appear white reflect all colors of light, while objects that appear black absorb all colors of light. Other colors fall somewhere in between, with lighter colors reflecting more light and darker colors reflecting less light.
Yes, there are other factors that can influence the reflectivity of an object. The angle at which light hits an object can affect how much light is reflected, with flat surfaces reflecting more light than angled surfaces. The material of an object can also play a role, as some materials are more reflective than others.
Understanding why some objects reflect more light than others is important in various fields, such as optics, photography, and materials science. It can also help us better understand and appreciate the world around us, as well as develop more efficient and effective technologies. For example, understanding the reflectivity of different surfaces can help in designing better solar panels or developing more realistic computer graphics.