We investigate the validity of the Boltzmann equation to predict the reflection and transmission coefficients for an intensity modulated laser beam passing through a microscopic medium consisting of discrete scatterers. For a one-dimensional model system we demonstrate that the Boltzmann equation works remarkably well for small modulation frequencies, even to describe a medium comprised of only 10 scatterers. Discrepancies can be found only if the modulation wavelength of the laser intensity is commensurate with the spacing between the scatterers and if the medium is sufficiently ordered.