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Gold (Au)
Element with atomic number 79, category: Transition metal, a solid at room temperature.
Element 79 of 118
Transition metal
Gold
Group 11, Period 6
Common Uses
Jewelry, electronics
Electron Diagram
About Gold
Gold is a chemical element with the symbol Au and atomic number 79, meaning every atom has 79 protons in its nucleus. It is classed as Transition metal and is a solid at room temperature. Its atomic mass is about 196.967 atomic mass units (u).
On the periodic table, Gold sits in group 11, period 6, which determines how many electron shells it has and how it tends to react with other elements.
Uses of Gold
In daily life and industry, Gold is used for Jewelry, electronics. These uses are closely tied to the typical properties of elements in the Transition metal category.
Electron Structure of Gold
Using a simplified electron shell model (at most 2 electrons in the first shell, 8 in the second, 18 in the third, and so on), Gold has 5 electron shells, with an approximate arrangement of 2, 8, 18, 32, 19 electrons from the innermost shell to the outermost. This is a simplified learning model, not the full electron configuration that accounts for the s, p, d and f subshells.
Explore Other Elements
Want to see another element or try the element symbol quiz? Go back to the Interactive Periodic Table to explore all 118 chemical elements.