British Sign Language Glossaries of Curriculum Terms

BSL Environmental Science Glossary - Diffuse reflection definition

Definition: Diffuse reflection is what happens when light is reflected off an uneven surface. Under perfect conditions, light will reflect off a smooth surface which acts like a mirror and bounces off the surface at the same angle, so that the incoming beam hits it at the same angle as the departing beam, whether it be from the sun or an artificial light. However, most surfaces are not as smooth, like clothing. They are uneven, so light bounces off them at odd, random angles. Here is an example (shows picture).