What does the term "reflection" refer to in scientific terms?

The term "reflection" in scientific terms specifically refers to the bouncing back of light from a surface. When light encounters a surface, it can either be absorbed, transmitted, or reflected. With reflection, a portion of the light that strikes a surface is redirected back into the original medium. This phenomenon is essential for understanding optics, as it is what allows us to see objects; our eyes detect the light that has reflected off surfaces and enters them.

In the context of reflection, this process can be characterized by the law of reflection, which states that the angle of incidence (the angle at which the incoming light hits a surface) is equal to the angle of reflection (the angle at which it is bounced back). This principle is applied in various fields, from designing mirrors to understanding how light behaves in different environments.

The other choices describe different interactions of light. Absorption involves the uptake of light energy by a surface, leading to a loss of light intensity. Refraction refers to the bending of light as it passes from one medium to another with a different density. Scattering involves the dispersion of light into multiple directions when it encounters small particles. Each of these phenomena is distinct from reflection, reinforcing why the correct interpretation of "reflection" emphasizes the bouncing back