Coefficient of Reflection
Definition:
The "coefficient of reflection" is a noun that refers to the fraction (or part) of light or other radiant energy that bounces back (or is reflected) from a surface instead of passing through it.
Usage Instructions:
The term is often used in science, especially in physics and optics, to describe how reflective a surface is.
You might encounter this term in discussions about materials, such as mirrors, glass, water, and other surfaces that interact with light.
Example:
If you have a shiny mirror, it has a high coefficient of reflection because it reflects a lot of light. For instance, if the coefficient of reflection of the mirror is 0.9, it means that 90% of the light that hits it is reflected back.
Advanced Usage:
In scientific studies, the coefficient of reflection can be used to calculate how much light is absorbed by a material versus how much is reflected. This can be important in fields like solar energy, photography, and architectural design.
Word Variants:
Coefficient (noun): A numerical factor in a mathematical expression.
Reflection (noun): The throwing back of light, heat, or sound from a surface.
Different Meaning:
Synonyms:
Reflectivity: This is another term used to describe how much light is reflected by a surface.
Reflectance: Similar to reflectivity, it refers specifically to the proportion of light reflected.
Related Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:
"Turn back": To reflect in a more general sense, like how light reflects off a surface.
"Bounce back": To return after hitting a surface, which is similar to how light behaves when it hits a reflective surface.
Summary:
The coefficient of reflection is an important concept in understanding how surfaces interact with light.