Silver (Ag)
Silver is a chemical element with the symbol Ag and atomic number 47. It is a transition metal known for its lustrous appearance and its high conductivity. Silver has been used for various purposes throughout history, including currency, jewelry, and photography.
Properties of Silver:
- Atomic Number: 47
- Atomic Mass: 107.87 g/mol
- State at Room Temperature: Solid
- Color: Silver-white
- Conductivity: High electrical and thermal conductivity
- Malleability: Silver is highly malleable and can be easily shaped into various forms
- Chemical Reactivity: Silver is relatively unreactive, though it can react with sulfur compounds in the air to form tarnish
Uses of Silver:
Silver has a wide range of uses, including:
- Manufacture of jewelry and silverware
- Electronics and electrical contacts
- Photography (silver halide crystals are used in film and photographic paper)
- Medicine (silver compounds have antibacterial properties)
- Currency and bullion
Chemical Reactions of Silver:
Silver can undergo various chemical reactions, including:
- Oxidation: Silver can react with oxygen to form silver oxide (Ag2O)
- Complex Formation: Silver ions can form complexes with ligands, leading to the formation of colored compounds
- Reduction: Silver ions can be reduced to elemental silver through various chemical reactions
Environmental and Health Considerations:
Silver is considered to be relatively non-toxic to humans, though exposure to high levels of silver compounds can lead to argyria, a condition in which the skin turns blue-gray. Silver compounds can also have toxic effects on aquatic organisms, and thus proper disposal and handling of silver-containing materials is important to minimize environmental impact.
Study Guide:
When studying silver, it's important to focus on its physical and chemical properties, its uses in various industries, and its environmental and health considerations. Here are some key points to consider:
- What are the physical properties of silver, and how do they contribute to its uses?
- What are the main uses of silver, and what properties make it suitable for these applications?
- What chemical reactions can silver undergo, and how do these reactions contribute to its reactivity?
- What are the environmental and health considerations associated with silver, and how can these be mitigated?
