Question

How do you write the noble-gas configuration for gold?

Answer 1

Hint: The atomic number of gold is \[79\]. It is a dense lustrous yellow metal that belongs to group 11, period 6, of the periodic table. It is very exceptional and attractive to one’s eye. It has a virtual indestructibility and is highly malleable. It is known to be a good conductor of both electricity and heat.

Complete step by step answer:
The complete electronic configuration of gold with respect to the electronic configuration of noble gas Xenon is:
$[Xe]6{s^1}4{f^{14}}5{d^{10}}$
The electronic configuration of any element is used to understand the number of electrons present along with their distribution in the atomic orbital of the atom. The sequence of the completely filled subshells which is similar to the noble gas is replaced by the symbol of that noble gas which is present in square brackets. In the above scenario, the atom Xenon is used.

Additional Information: Gold is known to be one of those elements in the periodic table that are not known to follow the predicted order of electron configuration. Other such elements that are known to not follow the predicted order are \[Cu,{\text{ }}Ag,{\text{ }}Pd,{\text{ }}Cr{\text{ }}and{\text{ }}Mo.\] This is known to take place where these elements have completed their \[d\] orbital which brings a lower energy (lower risk of electron repulsion) compared to the \[s\] orbital getting completed first.

Note: These configurations are really useful when it comes to determining the elemental valency. This can also be used to understand the properties of any particular metal, chemical, or physical both. This has been found in the periodic table that when elements have similar electron configurations they exhibit similar properties.