Which two processes are commonly described as ways in which light can be produced?

• A. Absorption and transmission
• B. Diffraction and polarization
• C. Reflection and refraction
• D. Incandescence and luminescence

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that the question asks about processes that produce light, not just how light behaves or interacts with materials.
2. Recall that 'incandescence' is the emission of light from a hot object due to its temperature, such as a glowing filament in a light bulb.
3. Recognize that 'luminescence' refers to light emission that is not caused by heat, such as fluorescence or phosphorescence, where light is produced through chemical or physical processes.
4. Note that the other options (absorption, transmission, diffraction, polarization, reflection, refraction) describe how light interacts with matter but do not generate light themselves.
5. Conclude that the two processes commonly described as ways in which light can be produced are incandescence and luminescence.