Which term describes a physical process where moving particles, light or sound deviate from a straight path due to non-uniformities in the medium?

Which term describes a physical process where moving particles, light or sound deviate from a straight path due to non-uniformities in the medium?

• A. Reflect
• B. Refract
• C. Scatter
• D. Solar

Answer: (C)

Scattering describes how moving particles, light, or sound deviate from a straight path when they pass through a medium that isn’t uniform. Tiny irregularities in the medium—such as particles, density variations, or changes in refractive index—interrupt the travel and send energy in many different directions rather than along a single, straight line. This contrasts with reflection, where waves bounce off a surface, and refraction, where they smoothly bend at a boundary between uniform media. Solar isn’t a process describing this behavior.

Scattering describes how moving particles, light, or sound deviate from a straight path when they pass through a medium that isn’t uniform. Tiny irregularities in the medium—such as particles, density variations, or changes in refractive index—interrupt the travel and send energy in many different directions rather than along a single, straight line. This contrasts with reflection, where waves bounce off a surface, and refraction, where they smoothly bend at a boundary between uniform media. Solar isn’t a process describing this behavior.