Question

A metal’s luster is due to _____.


energy from the nuclei of its atoms being given off as visible light

light energy being absorbed and given off again by its valence electrons

valence electrons giving off energy as they collide with one another

the free flow of electrons between its atoms

Answers

GPT-4o mini
A metal’s luster is due to **light energy being absorbed and given off again by its valence electrons**.

In metals, the valence electrons are free to move, allowing them to absorb light energy and re-emit it, which contributes to the shiny appearance or luster that metals have.