Reactivity: Silver is relatively unreactive with air and water.
Tarnishing: It can tarnish when exposed to sulfur compounds in the air, forming a layer of silver sulfide.
Alloys: Silver is often used in alloys with other metals, such as copper, to improve its hardness and durability.
Uses of Silver:
Jewelry and Ornaments: Silver is popularly used to make jewelry and decorative items due to its attractive appearance.
Coinage: It has been used for making coins throughout history and is still used in some coinage today.
Electronics: Silver's high conductivity makes it valuable in the electronics industry for making conductive coatings and components.
Photography: Silver compounds are used in traditional photography for their light-sensitive properties.
Medicine: Silver has antimicrobial properties and is used in medical applications, such as wound dressings and medical devices.
Environmental Impact:
Silver is a valuable and precious metal. However, its mining and extraction can have environmental impacts, including habitat destruction and waterpollution. Recycling silver from electronic waste and other sources is important for reducing the environmental impact of its extraction.