Glossy or Matte? The Specular Diffuse Reflection Quiz

  • 6th Grade
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| Questions: 20 | Updated: Feb 13, 2026
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1. The type of reflection that allows us to see objects from any angle is ______ reflection.

Explanation

Because diffuse reflection scatters light in every direction, you can see the object no matter where you are standing.

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About This Quiz
Glossy Or Matte? The Specular Diffuse Reflection Quiz - Quiz

Why does a mirror show your face while a white wall doesn't? Both surfaces reflect light, but the "texture" of the bounce changes everything. This specular diffuse reflection quiz explains the difference between a perfect glare and a soft, scattered glow.

2. If a calm pond becomes wavy because of the wind, the reflection changes from:

Explanation

The waves make the surface "rough," switching the reflection from an organized (specular) image to scattered (diffuse) light.

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3. Reflection physics questions often state that "Rough" surfaces do not follow the Law of Reflection.

Explanation

Every single ray follows the law (AngleIn=AngleOut), but because the surface is bumpy, the rays all point in different directions.

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4. Which of these help define a "Diffuse" surface? (Select all that apply)

Explanation

Diffuse reflection is characterized by uneven surfaces that scatter light, preventing a clear mirror-like image.

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5. Which of these is the best example of a light reflection assessment in nature?

Explanation

A mountain reflecting in still water is a classic example of specular reflection.

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6. The word "Specular" comes from the Latin word "Speculum," which means ______.

Explanation

This helps students remember that specular reflection is "mirror-like" reflection.

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7. A "Matte" paint finish on a wall is designed to create diffuse reflection.

Explanation

Matte finishes are slightly rough to avoid the "shiny" glare of specular reflection.

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8. When light rays are parallel when they hit a surface and remain parallel when they bounce off, it is:

Explanation

Parallel in and parallel out only happens on perfectly smooth surfaces.

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9. Why is diffuse reflection important for reading a book?

Explanation

If paper was specular, the glare would make it impossible to see the ink. Scaterring light makes it visible from all angles.

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10. If a surface is "Microscopically Smooth," it will produce ______ reflection.

Explanation

Even if something looks smooth to your finger, it must be smooth to the tiny size of a light wave to be specular.

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11. Your eyes can only see light that is reflected or produced directly by a source.

Explanation

Vision is entirely dependent on light rays entering the pupil, whether they were scattered or reflected cleanly.

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12. In a smooth vs rough reflection quiz, which describes "scattering"?

Explanation

Scattering is the defining feature of diffuse reflection.

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13. Which type of reflection occurs when light hits a perfectly smooth, shiny surface?

Explanation

Specular reflection happens on smooth surfaces (like mirrors), where light rays bounce off at the same angle, creating a clear image.

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14. In diffuse reflection, light rays hit a rough surface and scatter in many different directions.

Explanation

Rough surfaces have tiny bumps that cause light to bounce off at many different angles.

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15. A surface that is very smooth, like a calm lake, acts like a ______.

Explanation

Smooth surfaces produce specular reflection, which allows you to see a reflected image of the surroundings.

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16. Why can’t you see your reflection in a piece of white notebook paper?

Explanation

Even though paper looks flat, it is rough at a microscopic level, causing light to scatter (diffuse) so no clear image forms.

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17. Which of the following surfaces would most likely cause specular reflection? (Select all that apply)

Explanation

Only smooth, polished, or still liquid surfaces are flat enough to reflect light rays in a single, organized direction.

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18. In the types of reflection test, what happens to the "Angle of Incidence" and "Angle of Reflection"?

Explanation

According to the Law of Reflection, the angle light hits a surface is always equal to the angle it bounces off, regardless of the surface type.

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19. Specular reflection is the reason we can see "glare" on a shiny car or a wet road.

Explanation

Glare is concentrated light reflecting off a smooth surface directly into your eyes.

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20. How would you describe the surface of a brick wall in an optics basics quiz?

Explanation

Most everyday objects are microscopically rough, which is why they reflect light in a diffuse way and don't act like mirrors.

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The type of reflection that allows us to see objects from any angle is...
If a calm pond becomes wavy because of the wind, the reflection...
Reflection physics questions often state that "Rough" surfaces do not...
Which of these help define a "Diffuse" surface? (Select all that...
Which of these is the best example of a light reflection assessment in...
The word "Specular" comes from the Latin word "Speculum," which means...
A "Matte" paint finish on a wall is designed to create diffuse...
When light rays are parallel when they hit a surface and remain...
Why is diffuse reflection important for reading a book?
If a surface is "Microscopically Smooth," it will produce ______...
Your eyes can only see light that is reflected or produced directly by...
In a smooth vs rough reflection quiz, which describes "scattering"?
Which type of reflection occurs when light hits a perfectly smooth,...
In diffuse reflection, light rays hit a rough surface and scatter in...
A surface that is very smooth, like a calm lake, acts like a ______.
Why can’t you see your reflection in a piece of white notebook...
Which of the following surfaces would most likely cause specular...
In the types of reflection test, what happens to the "Angle of...
Specular reflection is the reason we can see "glare" on a shiny car or...
How would you describe the surface of a brick wall in an optics basics...
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