What phenomenon describes the bending of sound waves around obstacles?

The phenomenon that describes the bending of sound waves around obstacles is known as diffraction. This occurs when sound waves encounter an object or an opening, causing them to spread out as they pass around the edges of the obstacle. Diffraction is particularly significant for sound because the wavelengths of sound waves are often comparable to everyday objects, allowing for notable bending.

Reflection involves sound waves bouncing off surfaces, creating echoes or reverberation but does not involve bending around obstacles. Refraction pertains to the change in direction of waves as they pass from one medium to another due to a change in speed, which is not the same as bending around an object. Absorption is the process of sound energy being taken in by materials, leading to a decrease in intensity but again does not relate to the bending of sound waves.

Thus, diffraction is the correct answer as it directly pertains to the behavior of sound waves when interacting with barriers.