Optical Reflection: Difference Between a Mirror and a White Surface?

[Islam Hassan]

If a surface is perceived as being white because it reflects all wavelenghts of visible electromagnetic radiation, how does this differ from a mirror surface which also reflects all impinging light?

How is a mirror different from a white surface i) optically and ii) at the level of condensed matter physics?

Can a mirror be said to have a colour? What would this be, if any?


IH

 

[jtbell]

Look up diffuse reflection versus specular reflection.