Final answer:
All surfaces reflect light, but the quality of reflection differs between smooth and rough surfaces due to the law of reflection. Smooth surfaces like mirrors reflect light uniformly, creating clear images, whereas rough surfaces cause diffused reflection, scattering light in various directions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The reasoning that only mirrors and other shiny surfaces reflect light is incorrect. In fact, all surfaces reflect light, but the quality of the reflection depends on the surface's smoothness. Smooth surfaces, like mirrors, reflect light in a consistent and uniform manner, which allows for the formation of clear images.
This is due to the law of reflection, which states that the angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection. On the other hand, rough surfaces scatter light in many directions, which is known as diffused reflection. Using sandpaper on a mirror is not advised because it would scratch the surface, making it rough rather than smooth.
A rough surface would lead to diffused reflection, preventing a sharp and clear image from being formed. It is important to maintain the smoothness of a mirror to ensure the crisp reflection of light. An experiment with a flashlight and various surfaces can demonstrate the difference between the reflections of rough and smooth surfaces and confirm the law of reflection.