Use the terms atom and element to explain what makes silver and gold different
Use the terms atom and element to explain what makes silver and gold different
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Silver and gold are different elements. An element is a substance that cannot be broken down into simpler substances by chemical means. Each element is made up of atoms, which are the smallest particles of an element that retain its properties.
To understand why silver and gold are different, we need to look at their atoms. Atoms consist of a nucleus, which contains protons and neutrons, as well as electrons that orbit around the nucleus. The number of protons in the nucleus determines the element.
Silver has an atomic number of 47, which means it has 47 protons in its nucleus. Gold, on the other hand, has an atomic number of 79, indicating 79 protons in its nucleus. This difference in the number of protons is what makes silver and gold unique elements.
While both silver and gold have similar properties, such as being highly conductive of electricity and having a shiny appearance, they differ in aspects like density, melting point, and reactivity. These differences arise due to variations in the number of protons, neutrons, and electrons in their atoms.
Therefore, the distinct number of protons in the nucleus of silver and gold atoms is what differentiates these two elements and gives them their individual characteristics.