What is the basic difference between reflection and refraction of light?

The distinction between reflection and refraction of light is primarily rooted in the behavior of light as it interacts with different surfaces and mediums. Reflection occurs when light rays strike a surface and bounce back into the original medium. This can happen with any surface, including smooth ones like mirrors or rough surfaces like paper; thus, it is a general phenomenon that does not rely on specific materials.

On the other hand, refraction involves the bending of light as it passes from one medium to another with a different density, such as from air into water. This bending occurs because the speed of light changes as it moves between different mediums, leading to a change in direction of the light rays.

Choosing the correct answer highlights the critical concepts of reflection as a bouncing back of light and refraction as the bending of light, emphasizing the fundamental differences in how light interacts with substances. This understanding is essential for exploring various optical phenomena, such as the formation of images, the optics of lenses, and the principles of vision.