The radius of an atom of gold (Au) is about 1.35 Å. a. Express this distance in nanometers (nm) and in picometers (pm).

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the conversion factors: 1 Ångström (Å) is equal to 0.1 nanometers (nm) and 100 picometers (pm).
2. Convert the radius from Ångströms to nanometers by multiplying the given value by the conversion factor from Å to nm.
3. Convert the radius from Ångströms to picometers by multiplying the given value by the conversion factor from Å to pm.
4. Write down the converted values in nm and pm, ensuring the correct number of significant figures based on the given data.
5. Verify the units and values to ensure accuracy in the conversion.

Key Concepts

Unit Conversion

Unit conversion is the process of converting a quantity expressed in one unit to another unit. In this case, we need to convert the atomic radius of gold from angstroms (Å) to nanometers (nm) and picometers (pm). Understanding the relationships between these units is essential, as 1 Å equals 0.1 nm and 1 Å equals 100 pm.

Atomic Radius

The atomic radius is a measure of the size of an atom, typically defined as the distance from the nucleus to the outermost shell of electrons. For gold (Au), the atomic radius is approximately 1.35 Å, which provides insight into its chemical properties and behavior in bonding. This concept is fundamental in understanding the physical dimensions of elements.

Metric System

The metric system is a decimal-based system of measurement used globally, which includes units such as meters, grams, and liters. In the context of this question, it is important to recognize how different metric prefixes (like nano- and pico-) relate to the base unit, allowing for precise measurements in scientific contexts. Familiarity with these prefixes aids in effective communication of measurements.