Chapter U1, Problem C2.1RE

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

All the information that can be extracted from the periodic table for the element gold has to be listed.

Concept introduction:

A periodic table was developed by scientists to arrange the elements based on the patterns in their properties. Modern periodic table is a storehouse of information about the elements. There are 18 vertical columns called groups and 7 horizontal rows called periods. Each element square contains information such as element name, symbol, atomic number and average atomic mass.

Answer to Problem C2.1RE

Following information can be extracted from the periodic table for the element gold.

• Symbol of gold is Au
• Atomic number - 79
• Average atomic mass - 196.966
• It is a d block element
• Period - 6
• Group - 11
• Transition metal so it is bright yellow colored
• Electronic configuration - [Xe]4f¹⁴5d¹⁰6s¹
• State of matter - solid metal
• Physical properties - malleable, ductile, shiny, good conductor of heat and electricity
• Chemical properties-not very reactive

Explanation of Solution

In a periodic table, gold is the 79^th element placed in period 6 and group 11. It is a transition metal belonging to d block of the periodic table. It has chemical symbol of Au derived from Latin word ‘aurum’ for gold.

It has 79 protons in its nucleus so its atomic number is 79. Its average atomic mass is 196.966. Its most common isotope has atomic mass of 197.

Gold is a metal as it lies to the left of the stair step - line that separates metals and nonmetals on the periodic table.

It is a solid metal known for its shiny, malleable and highly ductile nature. It is bright yellow colored as most of the transition metals are. It is a good conductor of heat and electricity.

The electronic configuration is [Xe]4f¹⁴5d¹⁰6s¹ with xenon being the last noble gas that comes before gold on the periodic table.

Since gold lies in the middle of the periodic table it is not very reactive.

Conclusion

The element gold has some properties similar to that of copper and silver as all these belong to the same group in the modern periodic table.