What type of wave experience the least amount of energy loss upon reflection off barriers?

The correct choice is wave reflection, as this type of wave typically experiences the least amount of energy loss when it bounces off barriers. When waves encounter a barrier, some degree of energy is always lost, but in the case of wave reflection, particularly with strong or rigid barriers, most of the wave's energy can be preserved and redirected without significant dissipation.

This is particularly true for mechanical waves, such as sound or seismic waves, that reflect off surfaces, where the properties of the boundary determine how much energy is transmitted, absorbed, or reflected. Well-constructed barriers, such as concrete walls or other solid structures, facilitate effective reflection, enabling the wave to maintain its energy.

In contrast, other types of waves, such as those that experience wave diffusion or breaking, are more subject to energy loss due to interactions with the surrounding medium or due to the wave becoming disorganized. Wave refraction involves a change in wave speed as it passes through different mediums, which also leads to energy dissipation, albeit depending on the nature of the mediums involved. Thus, wave reflection stands out for retaining energy effectively in comparison to these other processes.