Which phenomenon is described by waves bouncing off a surface and returning?

Which phenomenon is described by waves bouncing off a surface and returning?

• A. Refraction
• B. Transmission
• C. Reflection
• D. Absorption

Answer: (C)

Reflection is when waves bounce off a surface and return into the original medium. When a wave such as light or sound hits a boundary, the portion that cannot enter the surface is redirected back. On a smooth surface, the angle at which the incoming wave hits the surface (the angle of incidence) equals the angle at which it leaves (the angle of reflection). This behavior is what lets you see yourself in a mirror or hear an echo in a quiet space. The other terms describe different interactions: refraction is the bending of waves as they pass into a different medium and change speed; transmission is the wave passing through the surface into the other medium; absorption is the wave’s energy being taken up by the material rather than bouncing back.

Reflection is when waves bounce off a surface and return into the original medium. When a wave such as light or sound hits a boundary, the portion that cannot enter the surface is redirected back. On a smooth surface, the angle at which the incoming wave hits the surface (the angle of incidence) equals the angle at which it leaves (the angle of reflection). This behavior is what lets you see yourself in a mirror or hear an echo in a quiet space. The other terms describe different interactions: refraction is the bending of waves as they pass into a different medium and change speed; transmission is the wave passing through the surface into the other medium; absorption is the wave’s energy being taken up by the material rather than bouncing back.