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Gold

Contents

Key Stage 2

 
This Gold nugget was found in the ground.

Meaning

Gold is a metal.

Key Stage 3

Meaning

Gold is a transition metal element, on the Periodic Table, with an atomic number of 79.

About Gold

Molecular Structure

Gold has the chemical symbol Au.
Gold atoms join together in large numbers to form a giant metal molecule.

Atomic Structure

Gold as 79 protons and 118 neutrons in its nucleus giving it an Atomic Number of 79 and an atomic mass of 197.
Gold is in Period 6 of the Periodic Table because it has 6 electron shells.

Properties

Gold is a metal element so it is a good thermal conductor and a good electrical conductor.
Gold is a shiny solid at room temperature.
Gold is malleable.
Gold is sonorous.
Gold is ductile.

Key Stage 4

Meaning

Gold is a transition metal element, on the Periodic Table, with 79 protons in the nucleus.

About Gold

Molecular Structure

Gold has the chemical formula Au.
Gold atoms join together in a giant metallic structure.

Atomic Structure

The most stable isotope of Gold has 118 neutrons in its nucleus giving it an atomic mass of 197.
Gold is in Period 6 of the Periodic Table because it has 6 electron shells.
Gold loses electrons to form positive metal ions.

Properties

Gold forms ionic bonds with non-metals.
Gold is a metal element so it is a good thermal conductor and a good electrical conductor.
Gold is a shiny solid at standard temperature and pressure and has a high melting point.
Gold is malleable.
Gold is sonorous.
Gold is ductile.

Beyond the Curriculum