Conceptual Physics (12th Edition)

Published by Addison-Wesley
ISBN 10: 0321909100
ISBN 13: 978-0-32190-910-7

Chapter 26 - Reading Check Questions (Comprehension) - Page 500: 24

Answer

The free electrons in metals easily respond to incoming light. They vibrate and create another electromagnetic wave that is out of phase with the incoming light. This cancels the light that would otherwise propagate into the metal, and instead, light is reflected. That make metals appear shiny.

Work Step by Step

This is discussed on page 493.
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