When a wave strikes a surface and bounces off, this is called?

When a wave strikes a surface and bounces off, this is called?

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

Answer: (D)

When a wave hits a surface and bounces away, that is reflection. Reflection happens when the wave changes direction at the boundary but stays in the same medium, so you often see it as a mirror-like bounce or an echo. Light reflecting off a smooth surface, or sound bouncing off a wall, are common examples. Absorption would mean the wave’s energy is taken in by the material rather than sent back, so there’s little to no bounce. Diffraction is the bending of waves around edges or through openings, not a simple bounce off a surface. Refraction is the change in direction as the wave enters a different medium and changes speed.

When a wave hits a surface and bounces away, that is reflection. Reflection happens when the wave changes direction at the boundary but stays in the same medium, so you often see it as a mirror-like bounce or an echo. Light reflecting off a smooth surface, or sound bouncing off a wall, are common examples.

Absorption would mean the wave’s energy is taken in by the material rather than sent back, so there’s little to no bounce. Diffraction is the bending of waves around edges or through openings, not a simple bounce off a surface. Refraction is the change in direction as the wave enters a different medium and changes speed.