Look at gold. It has an atomic number of 79. Adding 1 proton would make it have 80 protons and that element (from the periodic table) is mercury. Look up the prices of Au and Hg and compare. Frankly, I would rather have Au (a solid) than Hg, (a liquid). Although Hg is rather expensive, I suspect Au costs more than Hg but you be the judge of that after researching the prices.
just to check, would gold be more valuable if one proton was added to the nucleus instead of removing a proton.Adding a proton I think would increase its molecular mass therefore attracting a higher market vaue.
To determine whether gold would be more valuable if one proton was added to its nucleus rather than removing a proton, we need to consider a few factors.
Firstly, let's clarify that the atomic number of an element represents the number of protons in its nucleus. So, gold (Au) with an atomic number of 79 means it has 79 protons.
If we add one proton to the nucleus, the element would indeed change. In this case, adding a proton would convert gold (Au) into mercury (Hg), which has an atomic number of 80.
Now, let's move on to comparing the prices of gold (Au) and mercury (Hg). The value of a certain element is influenced by various factors such as supply and demand, industrial uses, and market fluctuations.
Gold is widely known for its value and is commonly used in jewelry, electronics, and as a store of value. It has a high market value due to its scarcity and desirability.
Mercury, on the other hand, is primarily used in scientific research, electrical applications, and chemical processes. It is a toxic liquid at room temperature, making its handling and disposal more challenging.
Given these factors, it is reasonable to assume that gold (Au) would generally be more valuable than mercury (Hg) in terms of market price.
To get accurate and up-to-date information regarding the prices of gold and mercury, you can use various methods:
1. Online Search: Look for reputable websites that provide financial market information or specialize in precious metals. You can search for "current gold price" and "current mercury price" to find relevant sources.
2. Financial News Sources: Check financial news websites or television channels that report on commodities and market trends. They often provide information on precious metal prices.
3. Commodities Exchanges: Visit commodities exchanges such as the London Metal Exchange (LME), where metals like gold and mercury are traded. They provide live prices and historical data for various metals.
Remember to consider factors like unit of measurement (ounce, gram, etc.), purity, and other market-related details when comparing prices.
In conclusion, adding a proton to the nucleus of gold would indeed convert it into mercury, but gold generally has a higher market value due to its various applications and desirability, making it more valuable than mercury.