What Causes the ‘Shine’ of a Wet Road?

When the road is wet, it feels like it’s shining because water covers the rough surface of the road. This makes light reflect better, like when you polish a toy car and it shines more. Water acts like a mirror, so instead of scattered light, we get a smooth, shiny look.

Take the quiz →

Examples

A wet road after a rainstorm looks like it’s glowing because water makes the road smooth, reflecting light better.
Your muddy shoes leave behind shiny spots on the sidewalk, just like a wet road shines.
Wet tiles in your bathroom seem to sparkle more than dry ones, same idea.

Ask a question

Discussion

Recent activity

Categories: Physics · optics,refraction,light,water