Name: Gold

Atomic Symbol and Mass Number: [Au] 79 

Electron Configuration: [Xe] 4f    5d     6s

Atomic Radii: 144 pm

Electron Affinity: 222.8 kJ mol‑1

Oxidation States:+5,+3,+2,+1, -1, -2, -3

Electronegativity Value: 2.54

Elemental Group: Transition Metal

Uses and Properties:

• It is the most malleable and ductile metal; 1 ounce (28 g) of gold can be beaten out to 300 square feet. It is a soft metal and is usually alloyed to give it more strength.

• It is a good conductor of heat and electricity, and is unaffected by air and most reagents.

• Today the metal is primarily used to treat patients with arthritis.

• Gold salts are used to reduce swelling, bone damage and to relieve joint pain and stiffness.

• Gold Leaf: Gold is highly malleable and flexible, so much so that it can be beaten into thin sheets, only a few millionths of an inch thick.

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Lewis Diagram: