What is reflection?

• A. The return of a wave (such as light) from a surface.
• B. The spreading of light into different colors.
• C. The absorption of light by a surface.
• D. The emission of light by a surface.

Answer: (A)

Reflection is when a wave, such as light, hits a surface and bounces back. On a smooth surface the light reflects at an angle equal to the angle it arrived from, so you can see a clear image like in a mirror. On rough surfaces, the reflection happens in many directions because the surface isn’t flat, which is why you still see the object but without a sharp image. This is different from dispersion, which is light splitting into colors; absorption, where light is taken in by the surface; and emission, where the surface itself emits light.