What phenomenon occurs when a light signal collides with a very small particle or impurity in the glass?

When a light signal encounters a very small particle or impurity in the glass, scattering occurs. This phenomenon involves the deflection of light rays in different directions due to the interaction between the light and the particles. The particles disrupt the expected straight-line propagation of the light, causing the light to scatter. This effect is particularly significant in materials where impurities or small particles are present, impacting how the light travels through the medium.

Scattering is commonly observed in various applications, such as in fiber optics, where it can lead to signal loss but can also be used to analyze the properties of materials based on how light interacts with them. Understanding this process is crucial in the field of AV technology, especially for ensuring optimal signal quality and minimizing undesirable effects in optical systems.

The other choices represent different optical phenomena, but they do not accurately describe the interaction in question. Reflection involves light bouncing off surfaces, refraction pertains to the bending of light as it passes through different media, and diffraction refers to the spreading of light waves when they encounter an obstacle or slit. Each of these processes plays a distinct role in optics, but in this scenario, scattering is the correct phenomenon.