Question

hunting the elements

1. what do the two - letter words/symbols represent?
2. a)what is the symbol for the element gold?

b) what are three particles that make up an atom of gold?
c) what are some properties/characteristics of gold?

1. how do scientists and miners detect gold in dirt?
2. what determines how an atom reacts ( reactivity)?

5.which elements are classified as noble elements?

1. which elements are denser than gold? what does that imply?

7.what is the symbol and atomic number for copper?

Explanation:

1. Chemical symbols are used to represent elements.
2. a) The symbol for gold is Au from its Latin name Aurum. b) Atoms of gold, like all atoms, are made of protons, neutrons, and electrons. c) Gold is a dense, soft, yellow - colored metal that is a good conductor of heat and electricity and is highly resistant to corrosion.
3. Scientists and miners can use methods like panning, sluicing, and more advanced techniques such as X - ray fluorescence to detect gold in dirt.
4. The number of valence electrons in an atom determines its reactivity.
5. Noble elements include helium (He), neon (Ne), argon (Ar), krypton (Kr), xenon (Xe), and radon (Rn).
6. Elements denser than gold include osmium and iridium. This implies they have more mass per unit volume.
7. The symbol for copper is Cu and its atomic number is 29.

Answer:

1. Chemical symbols for elements.
2. a) Au

b) Protons, neutrons, electrons
c) Dense, soft, yellow - colored, good conductor, corrosion - resistant.

1. Panning, sluicing, X - ray fluorescence etc.
2. Number of valence electrons.
3. Helium (He), neon (Ne), argon (Ar), krypton (Kr), xenon (Xe), radon (Rn).
4. Osmium, iridium; more mass per unit volume.
5. Symbol: Cu, Atomic number: 29