Here's a breakdown:

* Scattering: When light interacts with particles of matter, its direction can be altered. This can happen due to reflection, refraction, or diffraction.

* Reflection: Light bounces off a surface, changing its direction.

* Refraction: Light bends as it passes from one medium to another (like air to water).

* Diffraction: Light bends around obstacles or through narrow openings.

The specific type of scattering depends on the size of the particles and the wavelength of the light. For example, Rayleigh scattering is responsible for the blue color of the sky, while Mie scattering is responsible for the white color of clouds.