  The role of localized $d$-bands in the dynamical response of Cu is
investigated, on the basis of {\em ab initio} pseudopotential calculations. The
density-response function is evaluated in both the random-phase approximation
(RPA) and a time-dependent local-density functional approximation (TDLDA). Our
results indicate that in addition to providing a polarizable background which
lowers the free-electron plasma frequency, d-electrons are responsible, at
higher energies and small momenta, for a double-peak structure in the dynamical
structure factor. These results are in agreement with the experimentally
determined optical response of copper. We also analyze the dependence of
dynamical scattering cross sections on the momentum transfer.
