What is the definition of scattering in the context of light?

The definition of scattering in the context of light refers to the process where light waves bounce off a rough surface at various angles. This means that when light encounters a surface that is not smooth (such as a wall, a leaf, or the atmosphere), it doesn't reflect in a single, predictable direction. Instead, the light rays are redirected in multiple directions due to the unevenness of the surface. This phenomenon is essential for various natural processes, such as the dispersal of sunlight through the atmosphere, which creates the blue color of the sky.

The other choices represent different behaviors of light. The idea that light waves disappear when absorbed describes the absorption process, but this doesn't pertain to scattering. The notion that light travels in a straight line is a principle of light propagation in a vacuum or through homogeneous media, not scattering. Similarly, the concept that light travels at the same angle it hits describes reflection rather than scattering. Thus, the selection that highlights the varied angles of light after interacting with a rough surface accurately captures the essence of scattering.