The metallic lustre exhibited by sodium is explained by : — s Block Elements Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

Step 1: Metallic sodium contains mobile, loosely bound valence electrons in its outer shells forming a delocalized electron cloud. Step 2: When light falls on the metal surface, these mobile electrons absorb the photon energy and oscillate rapidly at the frequency of the incident light. Step 3: This vibration causes the electrons to immediately re-emit the absorbed energy as reflected light, giving the metal surface its characteristic lustrous, shiny appearance. Thus, the correct option is (b).