Question

what wave phenomenon is responsible for the sunlight shown in this diagram?
diffraction, because light is bent around the clouds
refraction, because the light bends through the clouds
absorption, because the sunlight is absorbed by the clouds
transmission, because the sunlight travels through the clouds

Explanation:

Diffraction is the bending of waves around obstacles. In this case, light (a wave) is bent around the clouds, which is what causes the sunlight pattern shown. Refraction involves light bending when passing through a medium (not just around an obstacle). Absorption means light is taken in by the clouds (not shown here as light is visible). Transmission is light passing through (but the key here is the bending around, not just passing through).

Answer:

A. diffraction, because light is bent around the clouds