1. Why do metals have a characteristic shiny appearance?

Metals look shiny because they reflect most of the light that hits their surface. This reflection gives them their bright, mirror-like appearance called metallic lustre.

2. How does the structure of metals contribute to their lustre?

Metals are made of tightly packed atoms arranged in layers. These atoms share a "sea of free electrons" that move easily. This structure allows metals to reflect light smoothly, making them appear shiny.

3. What role do free electrons play in creating metallic lustre?

Free electrons in metals absorb light energy and quickly re-emit it. This re-emission happens at the surface and reflects the light outward, making the metal look glossy and lustrous.

4. How does light interact with the surface of a metal to produce lustre?

When light hits a metal surface, the free electrons absorb and re-emit the light without letting it pass through. This reflection of light causes the shiny effect known as metallic lustre.

5. Why do some metals appear more lustrous than others?

Some metals like silver and gold have more free electrons and smoother surfaces, so they reflect light better and look shinier. Metals like iron or lead may tarnish or have rougher surfaces, reducing their shine.

6. How does surface texture influence the metallic lustre of an object?

A smooth metal surface reflects light evenly, making it look shinier. A rough or scratched surface scatters light in different directions, which dulls the shine and reduces the metallic lustre.

1. Why do metals have a characteristic shiny appearance?

Metals look shiny because they reflect most of the light that hits their surface. This reflection gives them their bright, mirror-like appearance called metallic lustre.

2. How does the structure of metals contribute to their lustre?

Metals are made of tightly packed atoms arranged in layers. These atoms share a "sea of free electrons" that move easily. This structure allows metals to reflect light smoothly, making them appear shiny.

3. What role do free electrons play in creating metallic lustre?

Free electrons in metals absorb light energy and quickly re-emit it. This re-emission happens at the surface and reflects the light outward, making the metal look glossy and lustrous.

4. How does light interact with the surface of a metal to produce lustre?

When light hits a metal surface, the free electrons absorb and re-emit the light without letting it pass through. This reflection of light causes the shiny effect known as metallic lustre.

5. Why do some metals appear more lustrous than others?

Some metals like silver and gold have more free electrons and smoother surfaces, so they reflect light better and look shinier. Metals like iron or lead may tarnish or have rougher surfaces, reducing their shine.

6. How does surface texture influence the metallic lustre of an object?

A smooth metal surface reflects light evenly, making it look shinier. A rough or scratched surface scatters light in different directions, which dulls the shine and reduces the metallic lustre.