Gold, silver & bronze

Gold, Silver & Bronze - Periodic Table of Videos

Introduction

This video from the Periodic Table of Videos explores the chemistry behind the metals used in gold, silver, and bronze medals awarded in competitions like the Olympics. The presenter showcases samples of each metal and discusses their properties and significance.

Main Points

• Gold:

- Properties: Gold is a shiny, inert metal that does not tarnish or corrode. It is historically significant and used in royal family wedding rings, including a piece of Welsh gold shown in the video.

- Atomic Structure: Gold has 79 protons and 118 neutrons, making it a large and dense element.

- Usage: Gold is used for medals, jewelry, and storing wealth due to its stability and inertness. Pure gold bullion can be as high as 99.9999% purity, such as the Canadian Maple gold coins.

• Silver:

- Properties: Silver is another inert metal, highly conductive of electricity and heat. The video features a silver bangle from Ethiopia.

- Atomic Structure: Silver has 47 protons and 60 neutrons, making it larger than copper but smaller than gold.

- Usage: Silver is used in electronics and jewelry. It is preferred over copper for wires in high-end applications due to its superior conductivity.

• Bronze:

- Properties: Bronze is an alloy of copper and tin. It is not an element but a mixture, making it harder and more durable than pure copper.

- Usage: Bronze has been used historically for tools and weapons, contributing to the development of early civilizations. A bronze medal from the university's chemistry department is shown as an example.

• Atomic Comparison:

- The video demonstrates the differences in atomic size between copper, silver, and gold by creating models of their nuclei with corresponding protons and neutrons.

• Roentgenium:

- The presenter suggests a whimsical idea of awarding Roentgenium medals instead of gold. Roentgenium, an element below gold on the periodic table, is highly radioactive and would decay quickly, making it impractical for medals.

Conclusion

The video provides an engaging look at the chemistry and significance of gold, silver, and bronze. It highlights the unique properties and historical importance of these metals, offering insights into why they are valued in society and used for prestigious awards.