Which type of reflection causes the laser beam to spread in many directions when striking a rough surface?

• A. Specular Reflection
• B. Refraction
• C. Diffuse Reflection
• D. Absorption

Answer: (C)

When light hits a rough surface, the tiny facets of the surface are oriented in many different directions. Each facet reflects the incoming laser beam according to its own orientation, so the reflected light goes off in a variety of directions. The result is diffuse reflection, where the beam spreads out rather than bouncing in a single, mirror-like direction.

Specular reflection would occur on a smooth surface, giving one predictable reflection angle like a mirror. Refraction involves bending light as it enters a different medium, not scattering off a rough surface. Absorption means the light is absorbed by the material rather than reflected, so there’s no spread of the beam.