Which term describes the bouncing back of a radio wave when it hits a surface?

• A. Reflection
• B. Refraction
• C. Diffraction
• D. Absorption

Answer: (A)

Reflection is the bouncing back of a radio wave when it hits a surface. When the wave meets a boundary, part of its energy is redirected back into the original medium, typically at an angle equal to the angle of incidence for a smooth surface. This is the phenomenon you’re using when signals echo off walls or when radar sends out a pulse and detects the return.

Refraction would be the wave changing direction as it passes into a different material because its speed changes. Diffraction is the bending of waves around edges or through openings. Absorption is when the material takes in energy, reducing the wave’s strength rather than redirecting it.