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Light bouncing off a surface is reflection. When a ray hits a boundary, part of it returns into the original medium. For a smooth surface, the angle at which it arrives (the angle of incidence) equals the angle at which it leaves (the angle of reflection), which is why a mirror gives a clear image. On rough surfaces, the reflected light scatters in many directions, giving diffuse reflection.

Refraction would happen if light entered a different material and changed speed, causing a bend rather than a bounce. Diffraction involves light bending around edges or through openings. Absorption is when light energy is taken up by the material, with little or no light reflected back.