What happens to light during reflection?

When light undergoes reflection, it bounces off a surface at the same angle at which it strikes that surface, which is known as the angle of incidence. This principle is fundamental in understanding how mirrors and other reflective surfaces work. The law of reflection states that the angle of incidence equals the angle of reflection. This phenomenon is what allows us to see images in mirrors and other glossy surfaces, as the light rays are redirected while maintaining their original path angles relative to the surface.

In contrast, options involving absorption, wavelength change, or scattering do not accurately describe reflection. Absorption occurs when a surface takes in light rather than reflecting it, a change in wavelength typically relates to phenomena like refraction or the Doppler effect, and scattering involves light being dispersed in various directions rather than being reflected in a predictable manner. Understanding these principles of light behavior is essential in the context of early childhood education, particularly in fostering a basic understanding of science concepts among young learners.