On which type of surfaces is diffuse reflection most likely to occur?

Diffuse reflection occurs when light strikes a rough or uneven surface, causing the light rays to scatter in multiple directions. This scattering effect is most prevalent on surfaces that have a textured or irregular composition, such as rough terrain. When light hits these surfaces, the microscopic peaks and valleys lead to a reflection that does not maintain the coherence of the original light beam, resulting in a diffuse reflection.

In contrast, mirrored surfaces, smooth glass, and metal surfaces tend to reflect light in a more ordered manner. Mirrored surfaces and smooth glass create specular reflections, where light reflects at a single angle, similar to how they came in. Metal surfaces can be shiny and reflect light in a directional manner, especially if they are polished. Thus, these types do not typically produce the scattering effect characteristic of diffuse reflection, making rough terrain the most suitable choice for instances of diffuse reflection.