Concept explainers
What would be the appearance of the Moon if it had (a) a rough surface; (b) a polished mirrorlike surface?
(a)
The appearance of the moon if it had rough surface.
Answer to Problem 1Q
The appearance of the moon will be same as it looks now, because it had rough surface now also.
Explanation of Solution
If the moon had rough surface it will absorb light at some points and it will reflect light from some points, if the surface of the moon is completely rough and if it does not reflect any light then, it will not be visible to people on Earth.
During sometimes in the month, lit side of the portions of moon is visible and this happens because all parts of moon is reflecting back sunlight.
There are many such spots in the moon and every spot is a point source of light, which send reflections back to Earth from any part that is lit by sunlight.
Conclusion:
Thus, the appearance of the moon will be same as it looks now, because it had rough surface now also.
(b)
The appearance of the moon if it had a polished mirror like surface .
Answer to Problem 1Q
If the moon had polished mirror like surface then it would be invisible to us.
Explanation of Solution
If the moon had polished mirror like surface then it would be invisible to us and only one small spot is visible that will be an image of a sun reflected by moon as it will behave like a mirror.
Some tiny small spots are also visible that would be the light from the stars reflected from the surface of the moon.
Even the portion of Earth which has light is also visible as one tiny spot.
The moon will behave like a mirror and it will reflect the light from everywhere which is reaching the moon and that light is visible on the surface as tiny spots.
Conclusion:
Thus, if the moon had polished mirror like surface then it would be invisible to us.
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