Which statement about reflectivity is correct?

Which statement about reflectivity is correct?

• A. It cannot exceed 100%
• B. It is only applicable in high-intensity light
• C. It varies only with the angle of incidence
• D. It is determined solely by the color of the surface

Answer: (A)

Reflectivity refers to the fraction of incident light that is reflected by a surface. This property is fundamentally governed by the principles of optics. The correct statement emphasizes that reflectivity cannot exceed 100%. This is because a surface can reflect at most all of the incoming light, and any value above 100% would imply that more light is reflected than what struck the surface, which is physically impossible. In practical terms, this means that as light hits a surface, some portion may be reflected, absorbed, or transmitted, but the sum of reflected light cannot surpass the total incoming light. Other statements present misunderstandings about the nature of reflectivity. It is not limited to high-intensity light; reflectivity occurs across various light intensities. The angle of incidence does play a role in determining reflectivity, known as the Fresnel effect, but reflectivity is also influenced by factors such as the material properties and surface texture, making the statement about it varying only with the angle misleading. Lastly, while the color of a surface can influence its reflectivity, it is not the sole determining factor; reflectivity is more intricately related to the material properties and the wavelength of light involved.

Reflectivity refers to the fraction of incident light that is reflected by a surface. This property is fundamentally governed by the principles of optics. The correct statement emphasizes that reflectivity cannot exceed 100%. This is because a surface can reflect at most all of the incoming light, and any value above 100% would imply that more light is reflected than what struck the surface, which is physically impossible. In practical terms, this means that as light hits a surface, some portion may be reflected, absorbed, or transmitted, but the sum of reflected light cannot surpass the total incoming light.

Other statements present misunderstandings about the nature of reflectivity. It is not limited to high-intensity light; reflectivity occurs across various light intensities. The angle of incidence does play a role in determining reflectivity, known as the Fresnel effect, but reflectivity is also influenced by factors such as the material properties and surface texture, making the statement about it varying only with the angle misleading. Lastly, while the color of a surface can influence its reflectivity, it is not the sole determining factor; reflectivity is more intricately related to the material properties and the wavelength of light involved.