What kind of surface causes light to reflect in all directions?

A rough surface causes light to reflect in all directions due to its uneven texture. When light rays hit a rough surface, they strike small irregularities and scatter. This scattering happens because the angles at which light rays are reflected vary depending on the orientation of the surface bumps and valleys. The result is that light is reflected off the surface in multiple directions, which is known as diffuse reflection.

In contrast, flat, smooth, and polished surfaces reflect light in a more organized fashion. These surfaces tend to have minimal irregularities, allowing light to reflect at specific angles rather than scattering. This is why smooth surfaces produce clearer reflections, such as mirrors and still water, while rough surfaces lose the clear image but spread the light, creating a softer illumination. Understanding this principle is crucial in applications ranging from photography to optics and even in designing surfaces for specific lighting effects.