3. Scientists can break the atom to get still smaller particles. In th...
**The Properties of an Atom of Gold**
An atom is the smallest unit of a chemical element that retains its chemical properties. Gold is an element with the atomic number 79, and its atoms have unique properties that define gold's characteristics. However, when an atom is broken, it undergoes a fundamental change.
**Breaking the Atom of Gold**
When scientists break an atom, they are actually splitting the nucleus, which is the central part of an atom containing protons and neutrons. This process is known as nuclear fission. By breaking the atom, smaller particles such as protons, neutrons, and electrons are released.
**Changes in Properties**
Breaking an atom of gold will have a significant impact on its properties. Here are some of the changes that can occur:
1. **Loss of Stability**: The nucleus of an atom provides stability to the atom. Breaking the nucleus can result in the release of particles and energy, leading to an unstable state for the atom.
2. **Different Atomic Mass**: The atomic mass of an element is determined by the number of protons and neutrons in its nucleus. Breaking the atom may result in the loss or gain of these particles, altering the atomic mass of the gold atom.
3. **Altered Charge**: Protons are positively charged particles, and the number of protons in an atom determines its atomic number. When an atom is broken, protons may be lost or gained, changing the overall charge of the atom.
4. **Electron Configuration**: Electrons orbit around the nucleus, and their arrangement determines the chemical behavior of an element. Breaking the atom may disrupt the electron configuration, leading to changes in the atom's reactivity and chemical properties.
5. **Formation of Isotopes**: Breaking the atom may result in the formation of isotopes, which are atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons. Isotopes can have different physical and chemical properties compared to the original atom.
**Conclusion**
In conclusion, breaking an atom of gold will result in significant changes to its properties. The loss or gain of particles, alteration of atomic mass and charge, disruption of electron configuration, and formation of isotopes can all impact the chemical behavior and characteristics of the gold atom. Therefore, a broken atom of gold will not have the same properties as an intact atom of gold.
To make sure you are not studying endlessly, EduRev has designed Class 7 study material, with Structured Courses, Videos, & Test Series. Plus get personalized analysis, doubt solving and improvement plans to achieve a great score in Class 7.