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White reflects more light than any other colour, while black absorbs more light than any other color.

To get technical, photons that are not absorbed by the paper will bounce off (be reflected by) the paper and make it appear lighter or white.

Short answer: because most paper is white.

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Wiki User

13y ago
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AnswerBot

6mo ago

Paper reflects light because it has a rough surface that causes light to scatter in different directions when it hits the paper. This scattering of light creates the appearance of reflection, as the light bounces off the surface of the paper and into our eyes. Additionally, the white color of paper reflects most of the visible light spectrum, contributing to its reflective properties.

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Q: Why does paper reflect light?
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Related questions

What are five materials that do not reflect light?

Wood, Plastic,Cotton,Paper and Fibre are 5 materials that don't reflect light.


Does a paper cup reflect?

No, a paper cup does not reflect light like a shiny surface would. Instead, it absorbs and scatters light due to its rough and absorbent surface.


Does crumpled paper reflect light?

Crumpled paper can reflect light to some extent, depending on its surface texture and the angle of incident light. However, because of its uneven and irregular surface, crumpled paper is more likely to scatter light in many different directions rather than reflect it sharply like a smooth and flat surface would.


Can coloured pieces of paper absorb light?

Yes, colored pieces of paper absorb light because they contain pigments that selectively reflect certain wavelengths of light while absorbing others. The pigments in the paper absorb some colors of light, which gives the paper its particular color appearance.


What surfaces reflect light and which do not?

Surfaces that are smooth and shiny, such as mirrors and glass, reflect light. Surfaces that are rough and dull, such as fabric and paper, do not reflect light as effectively. Rough surfaces scatter light in different directions instead of reflecting it.


Can a piece if glass reflect more light than a piece of paper?

Yes, glass can reflect more light than paper because it is a smoother and more reflective surface. Glass tends to have a higher index of reflection compared to paper, leading to more light being bounced off its surface.


Why can't a piece of paper reflect light?

A piece of paper cannot reflect light as effectively as a mirror because the surface of paper is rough and uneven, causing light to scatter in various directions instead of reflecting back in a focused manner. This scattering of light results in a dull or diffused appearance rather than a clear reflection.


Why don't most paper reflect light?

Most paper appears non-reflective due to its rough surface that scatters light in many directions, preventing a significant amount of light from being reflected back in a coherent manner. The fibers in paper create a textured surface that diffusely reflects light, resulting in the perception of a dull or matte appearance. Smooth, glossy surfaces, like those in mirrors, reflect light more efficiently due to their ability to bounce light back in a uniform manner.


True or false-most paper does not reflect light very well because its sureface is somewhat rough?

True. The rough surface of paper scatters light rather than reflecting it directly, which is why paper appears dull or matte compared to smooth, shiny surfaces.


Does paper towel reflect light?

It acts as a diffuser for light, not so much reflect, use "bounce cards" a white peice or cardboard or thick paper.


What color will paper appear to be under a red light?

Paper will appear to be black under a red light because red light has a long wavelength and is less likely to reflect off the white surface of paper.


Does orange paper reflect light?

well,yes it does.As you know light has visible colors when it refract it's light,Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo and violet. you can shortcut-ed as (ROYGBIV )in pattern.so when you light a white light to any material so it absorbs another and reflect its's own nature color. for instance:when you light or rays white light to the orange paper so it will absorb another and reflect orange color.