A narrow beam of white light strikes two different surfaces—Surface A is polished aluminum
PHYSICS · Single correct · AP · Physics 2: Algebra-based · Geometric Optics · Geometric Optics
Problem
A narrow beam of white light strikes two different surfaces—Surface A is polished aluminum, and Surface B is rough paper—at normal incidence. A movable screen is placed 1.0 m in front of each surface, perpendicular to the beams, to intercept the reflected light. Which observation is most likely when the screen is moved successively in front of each surface?
(a) Surface A produces a broad glow, whereas Surface B produces a sharp spot displaced from the beam axis.
(b) Surface A produces a sharp bright spot, whereas Surface B produces a broad, faintly illuminated patch.
(c) Both surfaces produce a single bright spot of the same size on the screen.
(d) Surface A produces no visible spot, whereas Surface B produces a bright ring.