Step 1: Understand the properties of metals.
Metals possess several characteristic physical properties, including malleability, ductility, metallic luster, and conductivity.
Step 2: Define each of the given properties.
Malleability: The ability of a metal to be hammered or rolled into thin sheets without breaking.
Ductility: The ability of a metal to be drawn into thin wires.
Metallic luster: The characteristic shine or gloss of a metal surface.
This is due to the interaction of light with the free electrons present in the metallic structure.
Conductivity: The ability of a metal to conduct heat and electricity due to the presence of mobile electrons.
Step 3: Relate the shiny surface of metals to the appropriate property.
The shiny appearance of metals is specifically described by the term metallic luster. The free electrons in the metal absorb and re-emit light, giving them their characteristic shine.
Step 4: Identify the property that describes the shiny surface of metals.
Metallic luster is the property of metals that describes their shiny surface.