Which statement describes reflection?

Which statement describes reflection?

• A. Light can be reflected
• B. Light can only be absorbed
• C. Light cannot interact with surfaces
• D. Light travels through walls

Answer: (A)

Reflection is when light hits a surface and bounces off instead of being absorbed or passing through. When light meets a smooth surface, the direction it comes in from (the angle of incidence) is equal to the direction it leaves (the angle of reflection), so the light changes direction in a predictable way. The statement that light can be reflected captures what reflection is. The other ideas don’t describe reflection: light can be absorbed, light does interact with surfaces, and most walls are opaque and don’t let light pass through.

Reflection is when light hits a surface and bounces off instead of being absorbed or passing through. When light meets a smooth surface, the direction it comes in from (the angle of incidence) is equal to the direction it leaves (the angle of reflection), so the light changes direction in a predictable way. The statement that light can be reflected captures what reflection is. The other ideas don’t describe reflection: light can be absorbed, light does interact with surfaces, and most walls are opaque and don’t let light pass through.