Facts about Silver
- Symbol: Ag (from Latin: Argentum)
- Atomic Number: 47
- Appearance: Shiny, white metal
- Occurrence: Found in the Earth's crust and in minerals like argentite and chlorargyrite
Properties of Silver
- Conductivity: Silver has the highest electrical and thermal conductivity of all metals. This means it can carry electricity and heat very well.
- Malleability and Ductility: Silver is very malleable (can be hammered into thin sheets) and ductile (can be drawn into thin wires).
- Reflectivity: Silver reflects light very well, making it useful in mirrors and coatings for optical devices.
- Antibacterial: Silver ions have antibacterial properties, which help kill bacteria and other microorganisms.
Also Check: Osmosis | Octane Number | Corrosion
Related Links: Fluorine | Isomerism | Iodine
Elemental Characteristics
- Atomic Structure: Silver has 47 protons and electrons, with its atomic mass being about 107.87 atomic mass units.
- Chemical Reactions: Silver is relatively unreactive. It does not tarnish quickly and does not react with oxygen or water at room temperature. However, it can react with sulfur compounds in the air, forming a black tarnish of silver sulfide.
Uses of Silver
- Jewelry and Silverware: Because of its luster and workability, silver is commonly used in making jewelry, utensils, and decorative items.
- Electronics: Silver's excellent electrical conductivity makes it ideal for use in electrical contacts, conductors, and printed circuit boards.
- Photography: Silver halides are used in photographic films and papers due to their light-sensitive properties.
- Medical Applications: Silver is used in wound dressings, coatings for medical devices, and antibacterial creams because of its antimicrobial properties.
- Mirrors and Coatings: Silver is used to make high-quality mirrors and in solar panels to improve efficiency by reflecting sunlight.
- Coins and Investments: Silver has been used historically in coins and is still used as an investment in the form of bars and bullion coins.
- Batteries: Silver oxide is used in small batteries, such as those in watches and hearing aids, because of its long-lasting power.