What is the outcome when light rays bounce off a surface?

When light rays encounter a surface, they can undergo a phenomenon known as reflection. This is when the light rays strike a surface and bounce back into the same medium rather than passing through it. Reflection occurs according to the law of reflection, which states that the angle of incidence (the angle at which the incoming light rays strike the surface) is equal to the angle of reflection (the angle at which the rays bounce off the surface).

Reflection can be seen in everyday situations, such as when you look into a mirror or see the glint of sunlight off water. The effectiveness of the reflection depends on the nature of the surface; smooth, shiny surfaces reflect light well and produce clear images, while rough surfaces cause light to scatter.

In contrast, transmission refers to light passing through a medium, dissipation involves the loss of energy often as heat, and refraction refers to the bending of light as it passes from one medium to another. Thus, reflection specifically identifies the interaction where light rays bounce back off a surface.