International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) Physics Practice Exam

Carpet is least likely to reflect sound waves due to its soft, porous nature and fibrous texture. When sound waves encounter a carpet, the material absorbs much of the sound energy rather than reflecting it. The structure of the carpet allows for sound waves to penetrate and dissipate within its fibers, considerably reducing reflections. This property is particularly useful in acoustically sensitive environments where controlling sound levels is essential, such as home theaters or recording studios.

In contrast, materials like wood, steel, and concrete are denser and have smoother surfaces that tend to bounce sound waves back, leading to higher levels of reflection. These materials are often employed in construction for their strength and durability, but they are not effective at sound absorption and can contribute to echo and reverberation in a space.