What term describes the process when light waves change direction after hitting a reflective surface?

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

Answer: (C)

The process where light waves change direction after hitting a reflective surface is called reflection. When light encounters a smooth, shiny surface, such as a mirror or water, it bounces off that surface, changing its direction while maintaining its energy. This phenomenon is governed by the laws of reflection, which states that the angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection.

Understanding this concept is crucial, as it explains how we perceive images in mirrors and how various optical instruments operate. Refraction, on the other hand, refers to the bending of light as it passes through different media, absorption involves the transfer of energy from light to a material, and diffraction pertains to the bending and spreading of waves around obstacles or through openings. Each of these processes describes different behaviors of light, clearly distinguishing reflection as the correct term for this specific interaction.