What term describes the process of creating a mirror image of an object?

The term that accurately describes the process of creating a mirror image of an object is reflection. Reflection occurs when light bounces off a surface, such as a mirror, causing the image to appear reversed but maintaining the original size and shape of the object. In mathematical terms, reflection involves flipping a shape over a line, known as the line of reflection, effectively creating a mirrored counterpart of the original.

The other terms have specific meanings that distinguish them from reflection. Refraction refers to the bending of light as it passes from one medium to another, such as air to water, which alters the path and perceived position of objects. Rotation describes turning an object around a fixed point, changing its orientation but not creating a mirror image. Translation involves moving an object from one position to another without altering its shape, size, or orientation, which also does not produce a mirrored effect. Therefore, reflection is the clear choice for describing the creation of a mirror image.