The scattering of light and reflection are both phenomena related to the interaction of light waves with matter, but they differ in how they occur and the resulting behavior of the light waves:
Reflection: Reflection refers to the bouncing back of light waves from a surface when they encounter it. When light strikes a smooth and polished surface, such as a mirror, the majority of the incident light waves are reflected in a predictable manner, obeying the law of reflection. The angle of incidence (the angle between the incident light ray and the normal to the surface) is equal to the angle of reflection (the angle between the reflected light ray and the normal to the surface). This phenomenon produces a clear and well-defined reflection, preserving the direction and intensity of the incident light waves.
Scattering: Scattering, on the other hand, refers to the random redirection of light waves when they interact with an object or a medium composed of particles or irregular surfaces. Unlike reflection, scattering can occur with various types of surfaces, including rough or irregular surfaces. When light encounters these surfaces, it interacts with the particles or irregularities, causing the light waves to scatter in different directions. Scattering can occur in different ways:
Rayleigh Scattering: This type of scattering occurs when the size of the particles or irregularities in the medium is much smaller than the wavelength of light. It is responsible for the blue color of the sky during the day and the reddish hues of sunrise and sunset.
Mie Scattering: Mie scattering occurs when the size of the particles or irregularities is comparable to the wavelength of light. It is responsible for the white appearance of clouds, as well as the scattering of light by aerosols and other suspended particles in the atmosphere.
Non-selective or Non-discriminate Scattering: This type of scattering occurs when the particles or irregularities are much larger than the wavelength of light, causing the scattering to be independent of the wavelength. It leads to the diffuse scattering of light, resulting in the appearance of matte or non-reflective surfaces.
In scattering, the incident light waves are not reflected in a predictable manner, and their direction and intensity can be altered. Scattering can cause light to be scattered in all directions, resulting in a diffusion of light and reduced intensity in a particular direction.
In summary, reflection involves the predictable bouncing back of light waves from a smooth surface, preserving their direction and intensity, while scattering refers to the random redirection of light waves by particles or irregular surfaces, causing the light to be scattered in various directions, potentially reducing its intensity and producing diffuse or non-uniform illumination.