Gold

Gold is a chemical element with the symbol Au (from the Latin "aurum") and atomic number 79. It is a dense, soft, shiny, and highly malleable metal. Gold has been highly valued and sought after for thousands of years for its beauty, rarity, and usefulness in various applications.

Physical and Chemical Properties of Gold:

• Atomic Number: 79
• Atomic Mass: 196.967
• Density: 19.32 grams per cubic centimeter
• Melting Point: 1,064 degrees Celsius
• Boiling Point: 2,700 degrees Celsius
• Color: Bright, slightly reddish yellow
• Non-reactive: Gold does not react with most chemicals, but it can be dissolved in aqua regia, a mixture of nitric acid and hydrochloric acid.

Uses of Gold:

Gold is used in jewelry, coinage, and as a standard for monetary exchange. It is also used in electronics, dentistry, aerospace technology, and in the production of glass and ceramics due to its excellent conductivity and resistance to corrosion.

Formation of Gold:

Gold is thought to have formed by a process called supernova nucleosynthesis, where heavy elements are created through the explosion of massive stars. It is also found in quartz veins and alluvial deposits, often alongside other precious metals.

Interesting Facts about Gold:

• Gold is so malleable that a single gram of gold can be hammered into a sheet of one square meter.
• It is a good conductor of electricity and does not tarnish or corrode over time.
• Gold nanoparticles are being researched for use in cancer treatment and other medical applications.

Study Guide Questions:

1. What is the chemical symbol for gold?
2. What are some common uses of gold?
3. How is gold formed?
4. What are the unique properties of gold?

For more information, visit Wikipedia - Gold

[Gold] Related Worksheets and Study Guides:

• Natural resourcesScience • Third Grade