Why do some objects reflect more light than others?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the properties of materials that influence their light reflection characteristics, specifically comparing matte and glossy surfaces. Participants explore the reasons behind varying levels of light reflection in different materials.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the properties that cause some objects to reflect less light (matte) and others to reflect more light (glossy).
  • Another participant points out that matte and gloss are textures related to the type of reflection (diffuse vs. specular) rather than the total amount of light reflected.
  • A later reply mentions that a white matte surface can reflect more total light than a black glossy surface, suggesting a distinction between surface texture and overall reflectivity.
  • Reference is made to Richard Feynman's book "QED" as a source that discusses these concepts in an engaging manner.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the relationship between surface texture and light reflection, indicating that the discussion remains unresolved regarding the extent to which texture affects total light reflection.

Contextual Notes

There is an implicit assumption that the definitions of matte and glossy surfaces are understood, and the discussion does not delve into the underlying physics of light reflection mechanisms.

Aeoghur
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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?
 
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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?
There's a decent explanation here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gloss_(material_appearance )
 
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Thanks!
 
Note that matte and gloss are textures and do not have anything to do with the amount of light reflected; they are just different types of reflections. Matte surfaces produce diffuse reflections while glossy surfaces produce specular ones. A white matte surface still reflects more total light than a black glossy surface.
 
Richard Feynman goes over this pretty well in the beginning of his book QED. It's really interesting, and overall a great book about an intriguing subject.
 

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