Question

How many isotopes of gold are there?

Answer 1

We know that gold is a metal whose atomic number is 79. It is a naturally occurring element. Its reactivity is very less. Chemically gold is represented by the symbol ‘Au’. In the reactivity series of metals, the gold is placed at the bottom of the table that means, its reactivity is very less.

Complete step by step answer:
Let’s understand isotopes in detail. Isotopes are atoms of the same element which have the same atomic number and their mass number is different. Let’s understand isotopes with the help of an example. Hydrogen has three isotopes, Protium, deuterium and tritium. All of them have atomic number 1 but the mass number of Protium is 1, mass number of deuterium is 2 and mass number of tritium is 3.
Let’s discuss the isotopes of gold. Gold $\left( {{\text{A}}{{\text{u}}_{79}}} \right)$ has an stable isotope , $^{197}{\text{Au}}$ and 36 radioisotopes. Among the radioisotopes, Au-195 is the most stable one whose half life is 186 days.

Additional Information:
Let’s learn a few points of gold.

1. Gold belongs to the group 11 and 6th period of the periodic table.
2. It is a transition metal having partially filled d orbitals. The electronic configuration of gold is $\left[ {{\text{Xe}}} \right]4{f^{14}}5{d^{10}}6{s^1}$
   3)It can resist corrosion and is exceptionally durable.
   4)Gold is malleable, ductile and lustrous as it is a metal.

Note: Gold is used in making jewellery because it is lustrous (shiny) in nature. Also it is malleable and ductile due to which it can be molded to any designs. Moreover it can resist corrosion due to which it does not appear dull.