What does the term 'reflected ray' refer to?

The term 'reflected ray' specifically refers to the light ray that is reflected off a surface after it strikes it. When light encounters a reflective surface, such as a mirror, a portion of the light bounces back, and this bouncing back of light is what constitutes the reflected ray.

In the context of optics, understanding the behavior of light when it interacts with surfaces is essential. When light rays hit a surface, they can either be absorbed, transmitted, or reflected. The reflected ray is crucial in many optical applications and principles, including the law of reflection, which states that the angle of incidence equals the angle of reflection. This principle is fundamental in the study of how light behaves in various mediums and surfaces.

The other options do not accurately describe the reflected ray. Absorption occurs when light is taken in by a surface and not reflected. The light that approaches the surface is referred to as the incident ray, and refraction involves a change in direction of light as it passes through a different medium, rather than reflecting off a surface. Thus, the reflected ray is defined clearly as the ray of light that bounces off a reflective surface, making this the correct and appropriate answer.