Gold (Au)
Gold (Au, element 79) is a transition metal in group 11, period 6. Atomic mass 196.967, electron configuration [Xe] 4f¹⁴ 5d¹⁰ 6s¹, uses and facts.
About Gold
Gold is a transition metal with the symbol Au and atomic number 79. It is a solid at room temperature, and it sits in group 11, period 6 of the periodic table. Gold has been known since antiquity.
Gold key facts
- Atomic number: 79
- Symbol: Au
- Atomic mass: 196.967 u
- Category: transition metal
- Group: 11
- Period: 6
- State at room temperature: solid
- Electron configuration: [Xe] 4f¹⁴ 5d¹⁰ 6s¹
- Electronegativity (Pauling): 2.54
- Melting point: 1337.33 K (1064.18 °C)
- Boiling point: 3243 K (2969.85 °C)
- Density: 19.3 g/cm³
- Common oxidation states: −3, −2, −1, 0, +1, +2, +3, +5
Electron configuration
The electron configuration of gold is [Xe] 4f¹⁴ 5d¹⁰ 6s¹. The part in brackets is the noble gas core; the rest shows how the outer electrons fill their subshells.
Uses of gold
- Jewelry
- Electronics
- Dentistry
Did you know?
All gold on Earth came from meteorite bombardment 4 billion years ago. Gold is literally from space.
Other elements in group 11 and neighbours
Frequently asked questions
What is the atomic number of gold?
The atomic number of gold is 79, which means every gold atom has 79 protons.
What is the electron configuration of gold?
The electron configuration of gold is [Xe] 4f¹⁴ 5d¹⁰ 6s¹.
What group and period is gold in?
Gold is a transition metal in group 11, period 6.
What state is gold at room temperature?
Gold is a solid at room temperature.
What is gold used for?
Gold is used for jewelry, electronics, dentistry.