Loading…
Loading…
GCSE Physics · key term
The redirection of light in many directions, for example by a rough surface or within a translucent material.
Used by OCR
Specification P5.3e · Paper 2 (Foundation), Paper 4 (Higher)
Revise: ColourA rough surface redirects reflected light in many directions. This scattering lets the surface be seen from different positions, but it does not give a clear mirror image. A red-painted wall, for example, can scatter red light towards eyes in many positions while absorbing much of the other visible light.
Paper 1, Paper 2
The redirection of light in many directions when it interacts with a surface or particles in a material.
Revise: Transmission, Absorption and ColourScattering sends light away in many directions, allowing light from an object to enter an observer's eyes from a range of viewing positions. An uneven surface produces this spread rather than the single reflected beam associated with a smooth mirror.
Distinguish specular reflection, which produces a clear image, from scattering, which sends light in many directions.
A black-looking object is not scattering visible light towards the observer; it is not scattering “black light”.
Distinguish transmission from scattering: transmitted light passes through the material, whereas scattered light leaves in a range of directions.
Create a free account to read GCSE Physics revision notes for your exam board and track your progress.