ANGGRAINI HARI NUR INDAHSARI

TEKNIK KIMIA FTUB 2015

155061101111002

The Assignment

The Relation of Einstein Relativity Theory and The Properties of Gold

Gold is an atom that have an identical structure with silver and copper. Gold have an uniqe
properties have expained by Albert Eistein Relativity Theory. It has been demonsratedby Chemist
from Heidelberg University through their investigation of gold and silver. They examined that
only the single atoms of each metal in order to compare these elements.

The investigation begin with gold carbenes which comprise usually unstable because
highly reactive, Prof. Straub and his team found a way to obtain and to isolate stable gold carbenes
complex for research purpose (3rd paragraph, 1st source : Einsteins theory on relativity
expalins fundamental properties of gold). They conclude that the relativistic effect determined
the fundamental properties of gold. The effect from Albert Einsteins relativity formula E = mc2,
which its a connection between ernegy, mass and speed of light. From this formula can be
predicted relativistic effect are most noticeable with gold.

These effect is seen in the outermost electron shell, which is active and thus responsible
for chemical behaviour, colours and properties of gold. In the case of gold, this leads to a
strengthening of its bonds. The electron will be more massive, which the electrons become tigher
orbit around the nucleus. It is make the inner electrons shield the outer electrons from the tug of
the nucleus.

The outer electron will expand and the energies lower (36th paragraph, 3rd source :
Claiming Einstein for Chemistry). So the inner electron are moving fast enaoug that the
relativistic mass increase is significant, as well as the lenght contraction. As a result, the electron
in the inner orbitals carry energy that is closer to the energy of outerelectrons and the wavelenghts
that get absorbeed and reflected longer.

Longer wavelengths of light mean that some of the visible light that would usually just be
reflected gets absorbed, and that loght is in the blue end of the spectrum. White light is a mix of
all the colors of the rainbow, but in golds case, when light gets absorbed and emitted the
wavelengths are usually longer. That means the mix of light waves tends to have less blue and
violet in it.

This makes gold appear yellowish in color since yellow, orange and red light is longer
wavelenght than blue (4th souce : Why do we value gold?). And the blue light will reflect the
combined of the red, orange and greens, which result in the yellowish hue we call it gold. The
gold is, mainly due to absorption of light when a d electron jumps to an s orbital. (John Walker,
https://www.fourmilab.ch/documents/golden_glow/).
The other effect of Einstein Relativity Theory on gold is it make gold does not corrode and
react with anything easily. (2nd source : 8 Ways You Can See Einsteins of Relativity in Real
Life). Due to its not react with anything easyly, gold being heavier and get closer to the atomic
nucleus. So the outermost electron may not be in place where it can react with something or corrode
because of the electron close to the nucleus.
So, that is the apply and the effects of the applied of Einsteins Theory on gold properties.
ANGGRAINI HARI NUR INDAHSARI
TEKNIK KIMIA FTUB 2015
155061101111002

Einsteins theory of relativity does not just play a crucial role in astronomy and space travel
with their huge distances, but also emphasises its significance in the wordl of electros, atom and
molecules. (Prof. Straub and Researcher of The Heidelberg Chemist, https://www.uni-
heidelberg.de/presse/news2015/pm20151029_einsteins-theory-of-relativity-explains-
fundamental-properties-of-gold.html)

References :

M.W. Hussong, W.T. Hoffmeister, F. Rominger, B.F. Straub: Copper and Silver Carbene
Complexes without Heteroatom-Stabilization: Structure, Spectroscopy, and Relativistic Effects.
Angewandte Chemie International Edition 2015, 54, 10331-10335, doi: 10.1002/anie.201504117

Emspak, Jesse, 8 Ways You Can See Einstein's Theory of Relativity in Real Life,
http://www.livescience.com/48922-theory-of-relativity-in-real-life.html, November 26, 2014

2005. Claiming Einstein for Chemistry.

http://www.rsc.org/chemistryworld/Issues/2005/September/einstein.asp. September 2005

Justin, Rowlatt. 2013. Why Do We Value Gold?. BBC News December 8, 2013.
http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-25255957

Walker, John, What Gives Gold that Mellow Glow?,

https://www.fourmilab.ch/documents/golden_glow/, March, 2006