Reflectance

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

(Redirected from Spectral 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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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

Specular Reflectance[edit | edit source]

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

Diffuse Reflectance[edit | edit source]

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

Total Reflectance[edit | edit source]

Total reflectance is the sum of specular and diffuse reflectance.

Factors Affecting Reflectance[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

Reflectance Resources
Wikipedia
WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD