Reflectance

Reflectance or reflectivity is a measure of how much light or other electromagnetic radiation is reflected by a surface. It is an important concept in several fields including optics, geology, and astronomy.

Definition

Reflectance is defined as the fraction of incident radiation reflected by a surface. In general, it is the ratio of the intensity of the reflected radiation to that of the incident radiation. It is a function of the wavelength of the radiation and the nature of the surface.

Types of Reflectance

There are several types of reflectance, including specular reflectance, diffuse reflectance, and total reflectance.

Specular Reflectance

Specular reflectance is the reflection of light in a single direction, similar to a mirror.

Diffuse Reflectance

Diffuse reflectance is the reflection of light in many directions, similar to how a wall or a piece of paper reflects light.

Total Reflectance

Total reflectance is the sum of specular and diffuse reflectance.

Factors Affecting Reflectance

Several factors can affect the reflectance of a surface, including the surface's material, the angle of incidence, and the wavelength of the incident light.

Applications

Reflectance has many applications in different fields. In optics, it is used to design and analyze optical systems. In geology, it is used to identify minerals and rocks. In astronomy, it is used to study the surfaces of planets and other celestial bodies.

See Also

• Absorbance
• Transmittance
• Albedo

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