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WavesWavesLightReflection

AQA GCSE · Question 06.6 · Waves

The leaves of the plant reflect light. The leaves have a rough surface. What type of reflection happens at the leaf surface?

How to approach this question

Recall the two main types of reflection. One happens from a smooth, shiny surface like a mirror. The other happens from a rough, matt surface. Which one applies to a leaf?

Full Answer

Diffuse reflection
There are two types of reflection: 1. **Specular reflection:** This occurs when light reflects off a smooth surface, like a mirror. All the light rays are reflected in a single, uniform direction, creating a clear image. 2. **Diffuse reflection:** This occurs when light reflects off a rough surface, like a leaf or a piece of paper. The light rays are scattered in many different directions. This is why you can't see a clear image in a leaf. Since the leaf has a rough surface, it causes diffuse reflection.

Common mistakes

✗ Stating "specular reflection", which is from smooth surfaces.\n✗ Just saying "reflection" - the question asks for the *type* of reflection.

Practice the full AQA GCSE Physics Foundation Tier Paper 2

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