Which phenomenon occurs when a wave bounces off a surface?

The phenomenon that occurs when a wave bounces off a surface is known as reflection. When a wave encounters a boundary or surface that it cannot pass through, it changes direction and travels back into the medium from which it originated. This is a fundamental behavior of waves, whether they are sound waves, light waves, or other types of waves.

Reflection is governed by the law of reflection, which states that the angle of incidence (the angle at which the wave strikes the surface) is equal to the angle of reflection (the angle at which it leaves the surface). This principle can be observed in everyday experiences, such as seeing your image in a mirror or hearing an echo in a canyon.

Other options, while related to wave behavior, describe different processes. Absorption refers to the process wherein a wave is taken in by a material, reducing its energy and preventing it from being reflected. Diffraction involves the bending and spreading of waves around obstacles or through openings, which is not related to bouncing off a surface. Transmission describes the passage of waves through a medium without being absorbed or reflected. Understanding these concepts is essential for grasping wave behavior in various applications, such as acoustics, optics, and telecommunications.