Silver (Ag)

General Information

• Symbol: Ag
• Atomic Number: 47
• Atomic Weight: 107.8682 u
• Element Category: Transition metal
• Group: 11
• Period: 5
• Block: d-block

Physical Properties

• Appearance: Lustrous white metallic
• Density: 10.49 g/cm³
• Melting Point: 961.78 °C (1763.2 °F)
• Boiling Point: 2162 °C (3924 °F)
• Phase at STP: Solid
• Electron Configuration: [Kr] 4d¹⁰ 5s¹
• Oxidation States: +1 (most common), +2, +3

Chemical Properties

• Reactivity: Relatively low reactivity; tarnishes when exposed to sulfur compounds in the air, forming black silver sulfide.
• Compounds: Forms compounds such as silver nitrate (AgNO₃), silver chloride (AgCl), and silver oxide (Ag₂O).

Uses and Applications

• Jewelry and Silverware: Extensively used for its luster and malleability.
• Electronics: Utilized in conductors, contacts, and silver-based inks due to its high electrical conductivity.
• Photography: Historically used in photographic film and paper due to its light sensitivity.
• Medicine: Used in wound dressings, creams, and as an antimicrobial agent.
• Mirrors: Employed in high-quality mirrors because of its excellent reflectivity.
• Coins: Traditionally used in coinage; many countries have issued silver coins for circulation and as collectibles.

Occurrence and Extraction

• Natural Occurrence: Found in the Earth’s crust in ores such as argentite (Ag₂S), chlorargyrite (AgCl), and as native silver.
• Extraction: Typically extracted from ores through processes such as flotation, smelting, and chemical leaching.

Isotopes

• Stable Isotopes: Silver-107, Silver-109
• Radioactive Isotopes: Silver has several radioactive isotopes, but none are used extensively in practical applications.

Safety and Handling

• Hazards: Generally considered safe, but silver compounds can be toxic if ingested or inhaled in large quantities.
• Precautions: Handle silver compounds with care, using appropriate protective equipment to avoid ingestion and inhalation.

History

• Discovery: Known since ancient times; its use dates back to at least 3000 BCE.
• Name Origin: The name “Silver” comes from the Old English word “seolfor,” and its symbol “Ag” is derived from the Latin word “argentum.”

Additional Facts

• Crystal Structure: Face-centered cubic (fcc)
• Magnetic Properties: Diamagnetic
• Thermal Conductivity: Very high, about 429 W/m·K
• Electrical Resistivity: About 15.87 nΩ·m at room temperature

Summary

Silver is a transition metal known for its high electrical and thermal conductivity, lustrous appearance, and antimicrobial properties. It has diverse applications in jewelry, electronics, photography, medicine, mirrors, and coinage. Silver is found in various ores and extracted through multiple refining processes. Its stable isotopes are widely used, while silver compounds are used with care due to their potential toxicity.

1. What is the atomic number of Silver?

   • 47

2. What is the symbol for Silver?

   • Ag

3. What is the atomic weight of Silver?

   • 107.8682 u

4. In which group of the periodic table is Silver found?

   • Group 11

5. What period is Silver in?

   • Period 5

6. What block does Silver belong to?

   • d-block

7. What is the melting point of Silver?

   • 961.78 °C (1763.2 °F)

8. What is the boiling point of Silver?

   • 2162 °C (3924 °F)

9. What is the density of Silver?

   • 10.49 g/cm³

10. What is the electron configuration of Silver?

    • [Kr] 4d¹⁰ 5s¹

11. What are the common oxidation states of Silver?

    • +1, +2, +3

12. What is the appearance of Silver?

    • Lustrous white metallic

13. Does Silver react with sulfur compounds?

    • Yes, forming black silver sulfide

14. Name a compound of Silver.

    • Silver nitrate (AgNO₃)

15. What is a common use of Silver in jewelry?

    • For its luster and malleability

16. How is Silver used in electronics?

    • In conductors, contacts, and silver-based inks

17. What role did Silver play in photography?

    • Used in photographic film and paper

18. How is Silver used in medicine?

    • In wound dressings, creams, and as an antimicrobial agent

19. What application does Silver have in mirrors?

    • Used for its excellent reflectivity

20. Name a mineral that contains Silver.

    • Argentite (Ag₂S)

21. How is Silver extracted from ores?

    • Through flotation, smelting, and chemical leaching

22. What is the most stable isotope of Silver?

    • Silver-107

23. What is another stable isotope of Silver?

    • Silver-109

24. What safety hazard is associated with Silver compounds?

    • They can be toxic if ingested or inhaled in large quantities

25. How long has Silver been known to humans?

    • Since ancient times, at least 3000 BCE

26. Where does the name Silver come from?

    • From the Old English word “seolfor”

27. What is the crystal structure of Silver?

    • Face-centered cubic (fcc)

28. Is Silver paramagnetic or diamagnetic?

    • Diamagnetic

29. What is the thermal conductivity of Silver?

    • About 429 W/m·K

30. What is the electrical resistivity of Silver at room temperature?

    • About 15.87 nΩ·m

31. What is the primary oxidation state of Silver?

    • +1

32. Is Silver found as a free element in nature?

    • Yes, it can be found as native silver

33. What is the common name of silver chloride?

    • AgCl

34. What is a major application of silver oxide (Ag₂O)?

    • Used in batteries

35. How does Silver benefit wound care?

    • It has antimicrobial properties

36. What is the boiling point of Silver in Kelvin?

    • 2435 K

37. What group does Silver belong to in the periodic table?

    • Transition metals

38. What is the natural abundance of Silver-107?

    • About 51.839%

39. Can Silver be used in high-temperature applications?

    • Yes, due to its high melting point

40. What is the key property that makes Silver valuable in electronics?

    • Its high electrical conductivity.