Which action would result in more (financially) valuable product: taking one proton from each nucleus in a sample of gold or adding one proton to each gold necleus? Explain

(ignore the role of elections on the atom)

Make the protons add up.
79Au ==> 1p + zzW
Calculate zz, then look on the periodic table to determine the element W.

Same procedure for adding one but put the proton on the left.

Post your work if you get stuck.

79Au ==> 1p + 78Pt (Platinum)

Is that right??

yes. Now
79Au + 1p ==> zzT
identify zz and T the same way.
Then you must decide if Pt or element T is the more valuable.

oh ok thank you.

79Au +1p ==> 80Hg (Mercury)

Pt is more valuable

Correct, again!

Taking one proton from each nucleus in a sample of gold would result in the formation of an element with atomic number zz and a symbol W. To find the value of zz, you would need to know the atomic number of gold, which is 79 (represented as 79Au). Subtracting one proton would yield 1p + zzW.

To determine the value of zz and the symbol W, you would consult the periodic table. By finding the element with atomic number zz, you can identify the symbol W and check its value.

Similarly, adding one proton to each gold nucleus would result in a different element. To determine the value of zz and the symbol T, you would add one proton on the left side of the equation: 79Au + 1p ==> zzT.

Again, consult the periodic table and locate the element with atomic number zz. Identify the symbol T and compare its value to that of platinum (Pt) or any other element that may result from subtracting a proton.

In this case, taking one proton from each gold nucleus would result in the formation of platinum (Pt). Adding one proton to each gold nucleus would result in the formation of mercury (Hg).

Based on their respective market values, platinum (Pt) is generally considered more valuable than mercury (Hg). Therefore, taking one proton from each gold nucleus to form platinum (Pt) would result in a more financially valuable product.