Question

what is the difference between an atom of silver and an atom of gold

Answer 1

In an act of "nano-alchemy," scientists have synthesized a silver (Ag) nanocluster that is virtually identical to a gold (Au) nanocluster. On the outside, the silver nanocluster has a golden yellow color, and on the inside, its chemical structure and properties also closely mimic those of its gold counterpart. The work shows that it may be possible to create silver nanoparticles that look and behave like gold despite underlying differences between the two elements, and could lead to creating similar analogues between other pairs of elements.

Answer 2

Their atomic masses are different.

silver and gold are defined by their number of protons: silver has 47, and gold has 79.

Their symbols are Ag and Au respectively. Ag is argentum and Au is aurum.