Gold
Gold is special because it is the only yellowish metal. Gold and copper, in fact, are the
ONLY colored metals. Gold, #79 on the periodic table, has 118 neutrons, and an atomic
mass of 196.9665 amu. Its density is a whopping 19.32 g/cm cubed, and its electron levels are
2-8-18-32-18-1. Gold is an ancient metal, with a melting point of 1064.43 degrees celcius
and a boiling point of 2856.85 degrees celcius. Gold is nearly inert, but does slowly
oxidize. Gold is found both free in nature, and in tellurides. Gold is the most malleable
and ductile metal; a single ounce of gold can be flattened to 300 square feet. Gold is very
soft, and is alloyed to give it more strength. The most common gold compounds are auric
chloride and chlorauric acid. Gold has 18 isotopes, and only one solution is known to be
able to dissolve gold. It is called aqua regia, and is composed of 1 part nitric acid
and 3 parts hydrochloric acid. Gold is very valuable.
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May 18, 1997
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