Silver
Silver is a chemical element with the symbol Ag and atomic number 47. It is a lustrous, white, and shiny metal that has been used for various purposes for thousands of years.
Physical Properties of Silver
- Color: Silver is known for its shiny, metallic white color.
- Luster: It has a bright, shiny luster when polished.
- Conductivity: Silver is an excellent conductor of electricity and heat.
- Malleability: It is highly malleable, meaning it can be hammered into thin sheets.
- Ductility: Silver is also highly ductile, allowing it to be drawn into thin wires.
Chemical Properties of Silver
- Reactivity: Silver is relatively unreactive and does not tarnish easily.
- Corrosion Resistance: It is resistant to corrosion and oxidation.
- Alloys: Silver is commonly used in alloys with other metals to improve its strength and durability.
Uses of Silver
Silver has been used for a wide range of applications, including:
- Jewelry and decorative items
- Coins and currency
- Electronics, including conductive coatings and soldering
- Photography, in the form of silver-based film and paper
- Medical applications, such as in silver-based antiseptics
Environmental Impact
Silver mining and processing can have environmental impacts, including habitat destruction, soil and water pollution, and the use of large amounts of water and energy. Recycling silver from electronic waste and other sources can help mitigate these impacts.
Study Guide
- What is the chemical symbol for silver?
- Describe the physical properties of silver.
- How is silver used in electronics?
- What are the environmental impacts of silver mining and processing?
- Explain the reactivity and corrosion resistance of silver.
Use this study guide to review the key concepts related to silver and its properties, uses, and environmental impact.
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EARTH AND SPACE SCIENCE
Earth’s Systems
Analyze and interpret data (e.g., tables, graphs, maps of global and regional temperatures; atmospheric levels of gases such as carbon dioxide and methane; rates of human activities) to describe how various human activities (e.g., use of fossil fuels, creation of urban heat islands, agricultural practices) and natural processes (e.g., solar radiation, greenhouse effect, volcanic activity) may cause changes in local and global temperatures over time.
Earth and Human Activity
Analyze evidence (e.g., databases on human populations, rates of consumption of food and other natural resources) to explain how changes in human population, per capita consumption of natural resources, and other human activities (e.g., land use, resource development, water and air pollution, urbanization) affect Earth’s systems.
Implement scientific principles to design processes for monitoring and minimizing human impact on the environment (e.g., water usage, including withdrawal of water from streams and aquifers or construction of dams and levees; land usage, including urban development, agriculture, or removal of wetlands; pollution of air, water, and land).