Reflected light refers to the light that bounces off an object and enters our eyes, allowing us to see the object. It is the result of light waves hitting a surface and being redirected in different directions.
The color of an object is determined by which wavelengths of light it reflects. For example, a red object absorbs all colors except for red, which it reflects. This affects the properties of reflected light because different colors have different wavelengths and therefore, different properties.
The law of reflection states that the angle of incidence (the angle at which light hits a surface) is equal to the angle of reflection (the angle at which light bounces off the surface). This means that the angle at which light enters an object is the same as the angle at which it exits.
The properties of reflected light can be affected by the type of surface it hits. Smooth, shiny surfaces, such as mirrors, reflect light in a regular and predictable way. Rough, matte surfaces, on the other hand, scatter light in many different directions, resulting in a diffuse reflection.
Objects can appear to have different colors under different lighting conditions due to the properties of reflected light. The color of an object is determined by which wavelengths of light it reflects, and the color of light that is present in the environment can influence this. For example, a red object may appear darker under blue lighting because it reflects less blue light compared to a red light.