What is the impact of proton differences on element properties?

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The discussion centers on how differences in the number of protons in elements affect their properties, such as color and texture, using gold and mercury as examples. The number of protons determines the number of electrons, which are crucial in chemical reactions. The participants highlight that understanding these differences requires a foundational knowledge of chemistry. One user acknowledges their layman status and expresses confusion about how an additional electron in mercury leads to its distinct properties compared to gold. The conversation emphasizes the complexity of chemistry in explaining elemental diversity.
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A difference in protons...

Im not sure weather this is a pure chemistry question or if it has to do with physics as well so i posted in both forums...please don't hate me.

How does a difference in the number of protons in an element lead to such a difference in the properties (color, texture, form, etc.) of elements? I.E Gold and Mercury. This question has been driving me crazy and I would really appreciate any answers. Thank You.
 
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Atoms are neutral, so the number of protons determines the number of electrons, and the electrons partricipate in chemical reactions.
 


Vanadium 50 said:
Atoms are neutral, so the number of protons determines the number of electrons, and the electrons partricipate in chemical reactions.

Thanks for the reply. I should have explained that I am a layman in the field... How do the electrons "participate" in chemical reactions that lead to such a diversity of properties :confused:. How does the one extra electron in mercury make it so different from gold?
 


Essentially, that question is "what is chemistry", and takes a textbook to explain.
 
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