Book 13, Question 81
Why Are Metals So Shiny?
Metals contain lots of electrons that are free to move around. When light hits metal, these electrons shake and send most of the light right back out. That bounced light is what gives metal its shine.
More fun facts
- Metals look shiny because they reflect the visible light that hits them.
- Unlike glass or plastic, metals cannot let light travel through their insides.
- Most metals reflect visible light because of a property called plasma frequency, which for them is in the ultraviolet range.
- Metals are often lustrous, which means shiny, when polished.
- Gold can stay shiny for centuries, while silver and copper turn dark and dull.
Sources: U.S. Department of Energy, Science News Explores, Smithsonian Magazine
Questions kids ask
Why does silver turn dark?
Silver tarnishes over time, while gold resists tarnish.