Mirrors, as commonly understood, are specifically designed to reflect light. The smooth, polished surface of a mirror interacts with photons of light, causing them to bounce off at the same angle at which they approached the mirror. This reflection of light is what allows us to see our reflections and objects in mirrors.
However, the concept of reflection can be generalized beyond light. In a broader sense, reflection refers to the bouncing back of any type of wave or particle when it encounters a surface. For example, sound waves can be reflected off surfaces like walls, resulting in an echo. Similarly, some forms of radiation, such as radio waves or microwaves, can be reflected by appropriate surfaces or structures.
So, while mirrors are specifically designed to reflect light, other types of waves or particles can also be reflected depending on the properties of the surface they encounter. The key factor is that the surface must have the necessary characteristics to interact with the specific wave or particle and allow for reflection.
In summary, mirrors are primarily designed to reflect light, but the concept of reflection can be applied to other types of waves or particles if appropriate surfaces or conditions are present.