When light encounters a surface, some of it is reflected, some of it is absorbed, and some of it is transmitted. The proportion of light that is reflected, absorbed, and transmitted depends on the properties of the surface.

Reflection occurs when light bounces off a surface. This can happen in two ways: specular reflection and diffuse reflection. Specular reflection occurs when light is reflected from a smooth surface, such as a mirror. The angle of incidence (the angle at which the light strikes the surface) is equal to the angle of reflection (the angle at which the light is reflected). Diffuse reflection occurs when light is reflected from a rough surface, such as a wall. The light is scattered in all directions, so there is no single angle of reflection.

Absorption occurs when light is converted into heat. This happens when the light is absorbed by the electrons in the atoms of the material. The more light that is absorbed, the darker the material appears.

Transmission occurs when light passes through a surface. This can happen if the material is transparent, such as glass, or if the material is translucent, such as wax paper. The amount of light that is transmitted depends on the thickness of the material and its refractive index (a measure of how much the light is bent when it passes through the material).

The overall reflection, absorption, and transmission of light by a surface is determined by the material's properties and the wavelength of the light. For example, a white surface reflects all wavelengths of light, while a black surface absorbs all wavelengths of light. A red surface reflects red light and absorbs all other wavelengths of light.