Light is reflected when
A)electron clouds of atoms are energized.
B)atomic nuclei are made to vibrate.
C)incident light is returned into the medium from which it came.
D)electromagnetic waves emanate from matter.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Reflection occurs when incident light is returned back into the medium from which it came. This can happen when light encounters a smooth surface, such as a mirror or a still body of water. Reflection does not involve energizing electron clouds or vibrating atomic nuclei - those processes are more related to absorption and emission of light. Electromagnetic waves do indeed emanate from matter, but that is not specific to reflection.

Light Is Reflected When