3D Bohr-model representation of the Gold atom (symbol Au, atomic number Z=79). Electron shell configuration: 2, 8, 18, 32, 18, 1 electrons.
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Bohr model · educational
Bohr model of gold
Gold (Au) has 79 electrons, spread over 6 shells. The diagram places them on circles around the nucleus, from the K shell — the closest — outward.
| Shell | Electrons |
|---|---|
| K (n = 1) | 2 |
| L (n = 2) | 8 |
| M (n = 3) | 18 |
| N (n = 4) | 32 |
| O (n = 5) | 18 |
| P (n = 6) | 1 |
The Bohr model is a teaching picture: electrons do not travel in circular orbits, but the number of electrons per shell is exact.
Related lesson
Mass, volume, density
Three quantities linked by a simple formula. How to measure each, and why density is a characteristic property.
8 minElectron configuration
Full1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 3d¹⁰ 4s² 4p⁶ 4d¹⁰ 5s² 5p⁶ 4f¹⁴ 5d¹⁰ 6s¹
Short[Xe] 4f¹⁴ 5d¹⁰ 6s¹
Valence electrons11
KLMNOPQ shells
K2
L8
M18
N32
O18
P1
Electronegativity
Pauling2.54
Allen—
Mulliken (eV)—
Atomic radii
Empirical135 pm
Calculated174 pm
Covalent136 pm
Van der Waals166 pm
Ionic radii (Shannon-Prewitt)
+1137 pm
+385 pm
Successive ionisation energies
I₁890.1 kJ/mol
I₂1980 kJ/mol
Electron affinity222.8 kJ/mol
Oxidation states
-3-2-10+1+2+3+5
Bold states = most common.
Warm-up
Gold — do you remember?
3 questions on this page. The right answer shows every time, and nothing is asked of you to play.
No account · one minute