On the periodic table, gold has the atomic number 79. This means that:

• A. Gold has 79 neutrons in its nucleus.
• B. Each atom of gold contains 79 protons in its nucleus.
• C. Gold has a mass number of 79.
• D. Gold contains 79 electrons in its nucleus.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that the atomic number of an element represents the number of protons in the nucleus of each atom of that element.
2. Recall that the atomic number does NOT represent the number of neutrons or electrons directly, but specifically the number of protons.
3. Recognize that the number of neutrons can vary in isotopes and is not given by the atomic number alone.
4. Know that electrons are found outside the nucleus, not inside it, so the atomic number does not indicate electrons in the nucleus.
5. Conclude that since gold has an atomic number of 79, each atom of gold contains 79 protons in its nucleus.