Question

Shine at freshly cut sodium is because of :

• A. due to oscillations of free electrons.
• B. due to weak metallic bonding.
• C. due to absorption of light in crystal lattice.
• D. due to the presence offree valency at the surface.

Answer 1

The correct option is A due to oscillations of free electrons.

Freshly cut sodium metal has a bright, shiny surface due to the oscillations of free electrons that quickly becomes a dull grey as it reacts with oxygen in the air around it. Over time, the metal becomes covered with a white crust of sodium oxide that prevents further reaction of the metal and oxygen.