Question

Gold is an example of a
A. Molecule
B. Element
C. Atom
D. Covalent bond

Answer 1

Hint: The terms like molecule, atom, element and covalent bond are related to each other. Atoms can be defined as the basic unit of matter or we can say the building block of a matter. Atoms further combine to form a molecule.

Complete step by step answer:
Let us discuss the given four terms one by one.
Molecule: When one or more than one atoms are combined by a covalent bond (chemical bond); it leads to the formation of a molecule. For example, a water and ammonia molecule etc. It exhibits the physical and chemical properties of a compound. It can be broken into smaller parts.
Element: It can be defined as the substance which contains the same atom in their formation. It means that it has the same number of protons but the number of neutrons can be different in their nucleus. It means atomic mass might be different. It can be broken into other fragments as it has the same number of atoms.
Elements are sequenced in the periodic table. It is divided into two parts, metallic and non-metallic mainly.
Gold, silver, sodium, lithium etc. are examples of an element.
Atom: As the already mentioned atom is the basic unit of matter. It can be further divided into subunits i.e. protons, electrons and neutrons. These all are subunits of the atom. Here, protons are positively charged whereas electrons are negatively charged. As we know, all the elements represent an atomic number, it depends on the number of protons inside the nucleus. For example, Carbon has an atomic number 6.
Covalent Bond: It is also known as molecular bonding. It is formed when the participating atoms share an equal number of electrons. Covalent bonding takes place in the same atom and different atoms. \[{H_2}\] is an example of covalent bonding taking place between the same atoms i.e. hydrogen and ${H_2}O$ is an example of covalent bonding taking place between two atoms i.e. hydrogen and oxygen.
In the last, we can conclude that gold is an element

So, the correct answer is Option B.

Note: Atoms having a different number of neutrons possess different atomic masses of the same element are known to be isotopes. For example $^{12}C$ and $^{14}C$. The atomic number of carbon is 6, but it differs in the number of neutrons having atomic mass 12 and 14 respectively.