Specular vs. Diffuse Reflection

The Specular vs. Diffuse Reflection Video Tutorial explains the difference between diffuse and specular reflection. The cause of each and the resulting consequences are explained.

The video lesson answers the following questions:

1. What is specular reflection?
2. What is diffuse reflection?
3. How are they similar? And how are they different?

Video

You can watch the video below, or click here to watch on YouTube (opens in a new tab).

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Additional and Related Learning Tools

Minds On Physics, Reflection and Mirrors module, Mission RM4
A Minds On Physics mission is an interactive questioning module that will make you read carefully, think deeply, and know your concepts. None of this is popular. All of it works. Give Mission RM4 a try in order to sharpen your understanding.

Tutorial on Reflection and the Ray Model of Light, Lesson 1
When you need to quickly review a topic and/or freshen up on a concept, the Tutorial section of our website is your go-to place. Our page on Specular and Diffuse Reflection complements this video lesson very well.
Specular vs. Diffuse Reflection

Teacher Resources

Curriculum Corner, Reflection and Mirrors
Our Curriculum Corner includes in excess of 200 Think Sheets on discrete topics. Each Think Sheet takes a developmental approach to a topic. The one on Specular versus Diffuse Reflection would make a great in-class follow up for this video. Combine it with a MOP mission and you will have a great lesson.

Minds On Physics, Reflection and Mirrors Module, Mission RM4
Minds On Physics has always been a tool that trains students to read closely, think deeply, and reason conceptually. This mission on Specular vs. Diffuse Reflection will do all that and more. Give it a try.

Tutorial on Reflection and the Ray Model of Light, Lesson 1
When you need to quickly review a topic and/or freshen up on a concept, The Tutorial section of our website is your go-to place. Many teachers include these as links for students on their course management sites. This page is the written version of our video tutorial.
Specular vs. Diffuse Reflection

Teacher Toolkits: Plane Mirrors
We love our Teacher Toolkits. We hope you do as well. They include a collection of links to vetted resources throughout the web that are standards-based and multi-media driven.

Lesson Notes

Download (opens in a new tab) or view below

Slides

Do you like the slides we used? They are available in our low cost Teacher Presentation Pack, along with other updated materials used in our presentation.