Question

why are metals shiny in apperance

Answer 1

We usually recognize a metal by its “metallic lustre”, which refers to its ability of reflect light. When light falls on a metal, its rapidly changing electromagnetic field induces similar motions in the more loosely-bound electrons near the surface (this could not happen if the electrons were confined to the atomic valence shells.) A vibrating charge is itself an emitter of electromagnetic radiation, so the effect is to cause the metal to re-emit, or reflect, the incident light, producing the shiny appearance.

Answer 2

metals are shiny in appearance due to presence of free electron.