Which statement describes reflection?

Which statement describes reflection?

• A. The bending of light as it passes from one medium to another.
• B. The bouncing back of light or sound from a surface.
• C. The absorption of light by a surface.
• D. The splitting of light into colors.

Answer: (B)

Reflection is the bouncing back of light or sound from a surface. When light hits a surface and returns instead of entering the material, that is reflection. On a smooth surface like a mirror, the incoming ray bounces off at an angle equal to the angle of incidence, creating a clear image. On rough surfaces, the light still reflects, but in many directions, so you don’t see a sharp reflection. This is different from refraction (bending as light enters a new medium), absorption (light energy is taken in by the surface), or dispersion (light splitting into colors). So the statement describes reflection because it focuses on energy returning from the surface.

Reflection is the bouncing back of light or sound from a surface. When light hits a surface and returns instead of entering the material, that is reflection. On a smooth surface like a mirror, the incoming ray bounces off at an angle equal to the angle of incidence, creating a clear image. On rough surfaces, the light still reflects, but in many directions, so you don’t see a sharp reflection. This is different from refraction (bending as light enters a new medium), absorption (light energy is taken in by the surface), or dispersion (light splitting into colors). So the statement describes reflection because it focuses on energy returning from the surface.