Gold is classified as an element. What does an element of gold contain?

• A. Only atoms with 79 protons
• B. Atoms with varying numbers of neutrons and protons
• C. A mixture of atoms with different numbers of protons
• D. Molecules made of gold and other elements

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall the definition of an element in chemistry: an element is a pure substance consisting entirely of one type of atom, characterized by a specific number of protons in its nucleus.
2. Identify the atomic number of gold, which is 79. This means every atom of gold has exactly 79 protons.
3. Understand that atoms of the same element can have different numbers of neutrons, resulting in different isotopes, but the number of protons remains constant.
4. Recognize that a mixture of atoms with different numbers of protons would represent different elements, not a single element.
5. Note that molecules made of gold and other elements are compounds, not pure elements.