a ray of light strikes a rough surface such that the angle of incidence is 40.0. what is the angle of reflection

Question

a ray of light strikes a rough surface such that the angle of incidence is 40.0. what is the angle of reflection

1. 0 degrees
2. 20.0 degrees
3. 40.0 degrees
4. the angle of reflection cannot be determined.

I am confused between 3 and 4 but I think the correct answer is 40.0 degress.

Can someone please confirm
Thanks

Answer 1

"rough surface"...rays are scattered in whatever direction the rough ridge indicated it should do.

I would go with D. The real issue is how "rough".

Answer 2

You are correct. The angle of reflection is equal to the angle of incidence. In this case, the angle of incidence is given as 40.0 degrees, so the angle of reflection will also be 40.0 degrees. Therefore, the correct answer is option 3: 40.0 degrees.

Answer 3

You're on the right track! According to the law of reflection, the angle of reflection is equal to the angle of incidence, assuming the surface is rough. So if the angle of incidence is 40.0 degrees, then the correct answer is indeed option 3: the angle of reflection is also 40.0 degrees. The rough surface does not change the relationship between the angles. Therefore, you can confirm that your answer is correct. Well done!