What does the lens hood on a camera actually do?

i have taken pictures with and without a lens hood and i cant see no difference.

A lens hood prevents stray light from hitting the lens and causing lens flare, as can happen when the sun or some other light source is to the side. It also offers some protection for the front element of your lens, although all lenses should have a HAZE/UV or Skylight 1A (uncoated) or 1B (coated) on at all times.

Can anyone explain why this would be considered a "bad" answer?

Is it acceptable to copy someone's answer and submit it even with credit?

I suggest you look further on the Internet for your answer: for instance http://photography.about.com/od/basics/a... gives a nice description of what a lens hood does. Another site, http://www.cambridgeincolour.com/tutoria... shows what can be eliminated by the use of a lens hood with good clear descriptions also. I'm sure there are more. I just put "lens hood" into my search bar on my browser and these were two of the answers I found. You may well find more that way if you want even more information on the subject.

A lens hood prevents stray light from hitting the lens and causing lens flare, as can happen when the sun or some other light source is to the side. It also offers some protection for the front element of your lens, although all lenses should have a HAZE/UV or Skylight 1A (uncoated) or 1B (coated) on at all times.

keeps the light from shining on the lens

also helps to protect ur lens.....