How and why does a mirror reflect light?

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Mirrors reflect light due to their smooth, shiny surfaces, which cause incoming light rays to bounce off at equal angles. This reflection occurs because of the interaction between light waves and the electrons in the mirror's material, typically metal or glass. The atomic structure of the mirror allows it to efficiently reflect visible light, making it appear clear and bright. Understanding this phenomenon involves basic principles of optics and wave behavior, which are accessible at a second-year university level. Overall, the reflection of light by mirrors is a fundamental concept in physics that illustrates the behavior of light and its interaction with different materials.
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A fundalmental, atomic but also basic (2nd year Uni level maths and physics or less) explanation would be good.
 
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