Which reason best explains why metals are shiny?

• A. Metals have strong hydrogen bonding between atoms.
• B. Metals contain polar covalent bonds that absorb visible light.
• C. The delocalized electrons in metals reflect light efficiently.
• D. The ionic bonds in metals allow for high electrical conductivity.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that the shininess or luster of metals is related to how they interact with light, specifically how they reflect it.
2. Recall that metals consist of atoms surrounded by a 'sea' of delocalized electrons that are free to move throughout the metal lattice.
3. Recognize that these delocalized electrons can absorb and then re-emit light energy efficiently, which causes metals to reflect light and appear shiny.
4. Note that hydrogen bonding and ionic bonds are not characteristic of metallic bonding and do not explain the reflective property of metals.
5. Conclude that the key reason metals are shiny is due to the presence of delocalized electrons that reflect light efficiently.