What describes the effect of sound waves bouncing off surfaces?

The phenomenon of sound waves bouncing off surfaces is known as reflection. When a sound wave encounters a barrier or surface, it can change direction and travel away from that surface, which is the essence of reflection. This process can be observed with echoes, where sound waves reflect off distant surfaces and return to the listener's ears, allowing us to hear the sound again after a delay.

Resonance refers to the amplification of sound that occurs when an object vibrates at its natural frequency due to external forces. Interference describes the effect when two or more sound waves meet and combine, leading to areas of increased or decreased intensity. Diffraction involves the bending of sound waves around obstacles or through openings, causing the waves to spread out rather than reflect. Understanding these terms helps clarify the distinct behaviors of sound waves in different scenarios.