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Why does a smooth mirror show a bright reflection from only one viewing direction?
AIts smooth surface reflects an incoming beam at one specific angle
BIts rough surface scatters an incoming beam in every direction
CIt refracts the beam into the glass behind the silvering
DIt absorbs the beam and re-emits it after a short delay
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: A. Its smooth surface reflects an incoming beam at one specific angle
1. A mirror has a smooth surface, unlike rough paper or cloth.
2. That smooth surface reflects an incoming beam of parallel rays at one specific angle, following the law of reflection.
3. Only a viewer standing at the matching angle receives that reflected beam, which is why the reflection looks bright from one direction only.
_Source: OpenStax Physics (CC BY 4.0), Ch 16 "Mirrors and Lenses", section 16.1 Reflection_
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