Albedo reflects sunlight in what type of rays?

Albedo refers to the measure of reflectivity of a surface, specifically how much sunlight is reflected back into the atmosphere. Surfaces with high albedo reflect a significant portion of the solar energy they receive. The correct answer is that it reflects non-visible infrared and ultraviolet rays, which play crucial roles in energy transfer and heat absorption.

Non-visible infrared rays are significant because they carry heat, and when surfaces effectively reflect these rays, they help regulate temperatures, especially on roofing materials. On the other hand, ultraviolet rays, while potentially harmful due to their ability to cause sunburn and damage materials, are also part of the energy spectrum from the sun that can affect features like color retention and material degradation over time.

The other options don't encompass the full range of rays that albedo impacts. For instance, limiting albedo reflectivity to only visible and ultraviolet rays or only visible rays ignores the important aspect of infrared rays and misrepresents the complete spectrum of sunlight interaction with surfaces. Thus, the correct understanding encompasses non-visible infrared and ultraviolet rays, which are essential in assessing energy efficiency and material longevity in roofing contexts.