Final answer:
Reading a book page is made possible by diffuse reflection, where light scatters in many directions due to the page's microscopically rough surface. This differs from specular reflection, which occurs on smooth surfaces like mirrors and directs light at specific angles.
Step-by-step explanation:
When you read a book, you can see the page primarily because of diffuse reflection. Diffuse reflection occurs when light hits a rough surface and scatters in many directions, which is explained in the law of reflection. A book page is not a perfect mirror-like surface but has a slight texture that causes diffuse reflection, enabling us to see the printed words from almost any angle. Smooth surfaces, like mirrors, cause a type of reflection known as specular reflection, which reflects light at specific angles. In contrast, diffuse reflection is a result of the microscopic irregularities in the surface of objects like paper, which causes light to scatter in multiple directions. This is illustrated in descriptions comparing the reflection from a paper sheet versus a mirror, and reflecting moonlight from a lake surface.