Specular Reflection - Polygon Rendering & Ray Tracing Methods

Specular reflection is while the reflection is stronger in one viewing direction that is a bright spot, termed as a specular highlight. It is readily apparent on shiny surfaces. For a perfect reflector, as a mirror, the angle of occurrence equals the angle of specular reflection, as demonstrated below:

Light is reflected mostly towards the reflected ray and is attenuated through an amount dependent on the physical properties of the surface. Because the light reflected from the surface is mostly towards the reflected ray the position of the observer finds out the perceived illumination of the surface. This models the light reflecting properties of mirror or shiny like surfaces.