How many neutrons does gold have?

Unlock all questions

This demo includes only 20 questions. Upgrade to access hundreds of questions, flashcards, exam simulations, and disable ads.

Full question bankExam simulationsFlashcards
From $24.99Unlock all

Discover the NOVA Hunting the Elements Test. Engage with interactive flashcards and multiple choice questions. Prepare effectively for your assessment!

Multiple Choice

How many neutrons does gold have?

Explanation:
The number of neutrons is found by subtracting the number of protons from the total nucleons in the nucleus (the mass number). For gold, the atomic number (protons) is 79. The most common isotope of gold has a mass number of 197, so neutrons equal 197 minus 79, which equals 118. Natural gold is essentially all 197Au, so using 197 provides the straightforward neutron count. The atomic mass on the periodic table is a weighted average of isotopes, but for gold that average is very close to 197, which still gives about 118 neutrons when you subtract 79. The other numbers would imply different mass numbers that don’t match gold’s common isotope.

The number of neutrons is found by subtracting the number of protons from the total nucleons in the nucleus (the mass number). For gold, the atomic number (protons) is 79. The most common isotope of gold has a mass number of 197, so neutrons equal 197 minus 79, which equals 118.

Natural gold is essentially all 197Au, so using 197 provides the straightforward neutron count. The atomic mass on the periodic table is a weighted average of isotopes, but for gold that average is very close to 197, which still gives about 118 neutrons when you subtract 79. The other numbers would imply different mass numbers that don’t match gold’s common isotope.

More Multiple Choice Questions
Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy