When light interacts with a material, such as a surface, several processes can occur, including absorption, transmission, and reflection. When light is reflected off a surface, it appears less bright compared to the incident light due to various factors:
Reflection Efficiency: Not all of the incident light is reflected back. Some portion of the light may be absorbed by the material, while some may be transmitted through it. The efficiency of reflection depends on the properties of the surface and the nature of the incident light. Reflective surfaces, like mirrors, are designed to minimize absorption and maximize reflection, resulting in a brighter reflected image.
Surface Roughness: If the surface is not perfectly smooth, the incident light gets scattered in different directions upon reflection. This scattering causes the reflected light to spread out, reducing its intensity and making it appear less bright.
Angle of Incidence: The angle at which light strikes a surface affects the amount of light reflected. When light hits a surface at an oblique angle, a portion of it may be transmitted or absorbed, leading to a reduced intensity of the reflected light.
Color and Absorption Spectrum: Different materials have different absorption properties, and they selectively absorb certain wavelengths of light while reflecting others. If the reflected light contains a narrower range of wavelengths compared to the incident light, it may appear less bright or have a different color.
It's worth noting that these factors can interact and vary depending on the specific surface and the characteristics of the incident light. Additionally, the perception of brightness is subjective and can be influenced by factors such as the surrounding environment, contrast, and adaptation of the human visual system.