Which of these most directly affects what happens to white light when it hits an object?

the properties of the object
the source of the light
the speed at which the light travels
the distance of the object from the light

Answer

the properties of the object

Explanation

Light can be diffracted, reflected, refracted or even form an an interference. All these depend on the property of the object it fall on. If it falls on a shinny surface it most of its energy is reflected. When it falls on a transparent object it passes through but is is refracted.

SO, whatever happens to the light depends on the property of the object.