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elegysix
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when light encounters a mirror, is it instantly reflected, or is it absorbed very briefly and then emitted?
The simple answer is: It is instantly reflected, because the interference at the surface between the incident and reflected wave takes place at the same time for each.elegysix said:when light encounters a mirror, is it instantly reflected, or is it absorbed very briefly and then emitted?
clem said:The simple answer is: It is instantly reflected, because the interference at the surface between the incident and reflected wave takes place at the same time for each.
No, reflection is not instantaneous. It takes time for light to travel from the source to the object and then to our eyes. Even though the time is very small, it is not instantaneous.
Yes, the speed of light does affect reflection. The speed of light in a medium determines the angle of reflection.
Yes, the angle of incidence does affect reflection. The angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection, which means that the angle at which light hits a surface will determine the angle at which it reflects.
Reflection can occur on any surface that is smooth and has a shiny or reflective surface. Rough or matte surfaces do not reflect light as well.
Reflection is not a form of energy itself, but it is a result of the transfer of energy. When light reflects off a surface, it transfers some of its energy to that surface.