What physical phenomenon can be explained by the wave theory of light?

The wave theory of light is instrumental in explaining the reflection of light from surfaces because it describes light as a wave that behaves according to the principles of wave mechanics. When light waves encounter a surface, they can reflect off that surface at an angle equal to the angle of incidence, a phenomenon described mathematically by the law of reflection.

This wave nature allows us to understand how light interacts with various surfaces, including the changes in amplitude and intensity that occur during reflection. For example, the smoothness or roughness of a surface determines how well light reflects, with smooth surfaces leading to coherent reflections and rough surfaces causing diffuse reflection due to the varying angles at which the light interacts with the surface.

The other options involve different physical interactions. Light absorption relates to its energy being taken up by a medium but does not directly arise from wave behavior. Electric charge induction refers to the interaction of light with charged particles, which involves more complex principles beyond basic wave theory. Thermal conduction pertains to heat transfer rather than light behavior, making it unrelated to the wave properties of light.