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Transition Metals - Gold“Gold” comes from the Latin word aurum, meaning obsolete gold. This is where its

symbol, Au, comes from.Atom contents-o 79 protonso 118 neutronso 79 electrons

-making the atom neutral.

Briley Wright 5-18

At room temperature, gold is a solid. Its melting point is 1,943°F. It is 19.3 times denser than water, and 3 times denser than

iron.

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Transition Metals - Gold

Gold, found in nature, is rather rare—making it highly valued.

The top goldmines are:o South Africao Russiao The United Stateso Canadao Australiao Brazilo China

Common uses for gold:o Jewelryo Arto Medical purposeso Astronomy purposes

Briley Wright 5-18

Transition Metals - Gold

The Transvaal Province of South Africa holds most of

the world’s gold—3300 tons.

Briley Wright 5-183

Gold never corrodes and is extremely malleable.

It is a great thermal and electrical conductor.

Only silver and copper can conduct better.

major goldmines in South Africa

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Transition Metals - Iron

“Iron” comes from the Latin word ferrum—which is why its symbol is Fe.

The atomic number, 26, signals that the

atom has 26 protons. It has an atomic mass of 56

—making the atomic contain 30 neutrons and 26

electrons.

Iron is a solid at room temperature, and its melting point is 2,795°F.

Climbing on up the scale at 4,982°F is Iron’s boiling point.

Briley Wright 5-18

Transition Metals - Iron

Iron is not nearly as valuable as gold, but it is found in nature.

The top iron ore deposits are found in:o Australiao Canadao Franceo Indiao South Africao United States

Common uses for iron:o Medical purposeso Magnetic tapeso Steelo Buildingso Bridgeso Skyscrapers

Briley Wright 5-18 5

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Transition Metals - IronThe Eiffel Tower—built in 1889—is made out of

iron. Monuments like that today would most likely be made out of steel—ex. The Empire State

Building.

The Eiffel Tower was built in 1887-1889.

The Empire State Building was built in 1929-1930.

Briley Wright 5-18