What is the main characteristic of reflection in optics?

The main characteristic of reflection in optics is the production of a mirror image. This phenomenon occurs when light rays encounter a reflective surface, such as a mirror. The light bounces off the surface at the same angle at which it strikes it, following the law of reflection, which states that the angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection. This allows objects to be seen as they appear in the mirror, creating a clear image that corresponds to the real object's position relative to the reflective surface.

Other options refer to different concepts: light absorption describes how some materials can take in light rather than reflect it; color dispersion involves the separation of light into different colors, as seen in a prism; and sound wave bouncing pertains to the behavior of sound waves rather than light. Thus, the production of a mirror image is a distinct feature that defines reflection in the context of optics.