Gold is not negatively charged; it is electrically neutral.
Understanding Gold's Charge
Based on the provided reference, gold has 79 protons and 79 electrons. Protons have a positive charge, and electrons have a negative charge. When an atom has an equal number of protons and electrons, these charges cancel each other out, resulting in a neutral charge.
Gold's Neutral State
- Atomic Structure: Gold's neutral state is due to the balanced number of protons and electrons within its atoms.
- Electrical Neutrality: A neutral charge means that the atom has neither a positive nor a negative net electrical charge.
- No Net Charge: As the reference confirms, gold does not have a negative electrical charge, making it neutral.
Charge Table
| Particle | Charge |
|---|---|
| Proton | Positive |
| Electron | Negative |
| Neutron | Neutral |
Misconceptions About Charge
It is important to note that while gold is electrically neutral in its natural state, it can be ionized (gaining or losing electrons) and become charged. However, in its typical, natural state, gold is neutral.
Therefore, based on the reference, the answer to the question "Is Gold Positive or Negative?" is that it is neither positive nor negative; it is neutral.
