What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
reflectance
Example
The reflectance of the snow made it difficult to look at without sunglasses. [reflectance: noun]
Example
The reflectance of the mirror was high, making it an effective tool for reflecting light. [reflectance: adjective]
albedo
Example
The albedo of the ice sheet was high, causing it to reflect most of the incoming sunlight. [albedo: noun]
Example
The albedo of the planet's surface was measured using satellite data. [albedo: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Reflectance is a more common term than albedo in everyday language, as it has broader applications beyond scientific contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between reflectance and albedo?
Albedo is a more formal term than reflectance, as it is mainly used in scientific contexts and is less commonly used in everyday language.
