Mirrors are designed to reflect a wide range of wavelengths, not just visible light. While we often associate mirrors with reflecting the light we can see, their reflective properties extend beyond the visible spectrum.
A mirror consists of a reflective coating applied to a smooth surface, typically made of glass or metal. The reflective coating is usually composed of a thin layer of metal, such as aluminum or silver, which has excellent reflectivity across a broad range of wavelengths.
When light strikes a mirror, the surface of the mirror interacts with the incident light, causing it to reflect. The reflective coating on the mirror's surface is designed to reflect most of the incident light across a range of wavelengths, from ultraviolet (UV) to infrared (IR) and beyond. The specific properties of the mirror, such as the thickness and composition of the reflective coating, can influence its reflectivity and performance across different wavelengths.
So, mirrors can reflect not only visible light but also light in the ultraviolet and infrared regions of the electromagnetic spectrum. However, it's important to note that certain specialized mirrors, such as those designed for specific applications like ultraviolet imaging or infrared reflection, may be optimized to reflect light within specific wavelength ranges while minimizing reflection in other regions.