What is the definition of reflection in optics?

What is the definition of reflection in optics?

• A. The bending of light rays when they hit a surface
• B. The bouncing back of light rays when they hit a reflective surface
• C. The absorption of light by a material
• D. The scattering of light in different directions

Answer: (B)

Reflection in optics refers to the phenomenon where light rays encounter a surface and are redirected back into the medium from which they came. This process occurs when light strikes a reflective surface, such as a mirror, and does not penetrate into the surface material but rather bounces off it. The principles governing this behavior are governed by the laws of reflection, which state that the angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection. The other options discuss different physical interactions of light with materials. For instance, the bending of light rays occurs when they pass from one medium to another, as described by refraction. Absorption involves light being taken in by a material, converting into other forms of energy rather than reflecting. Scattering involves the redirection of light in multiple directions from interactions with particles in a medium. Thus, option B precisely encapsulates the fundamental concept of reflection in optics, making it the correct choice.

Reflection in optics refers to the phenomenon where light rays encounter a surface and are redirected back into the medium from which they came. This process occurs when light strikes a reflective surface, such as a mirror, and does not penetrate into the surface material but rather bounces off it. The principles governing this behavior are governed by the laws of reflection, which state that the angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection.

The other options discuss different physical interactions of light with materials. For instance, the bending of light rays occurs when they pass from one medium to another, as described by refraction. Absorption involves light being taken in by a material, converting into other forms of energy rather than reflecting. Scattering involves the redirection of light in multiple directions from interactions with particles in a medium. Thus, option B precisely encapsulates the fundamental concept of reflection in optics, making it the correct choice.