Page 22 - Curriculum Visions Dynamic Book

Silver (Ag)
Element 47. A soft, silvery metal belonging to the transition metals in the Periodic Table.
Silver is one of the precious metals. It is the best conductor
of electricity and heat and is also the best-known reflector of light (although this property is lessened because of its tendency to tarnish).
Silver is somewhat harder than gold and can also be bent and beaten into shape. It tarnishes when exposed to ozone or hydrogen sulphide.These gases are present in all air, but are most concentrated in industrial cities.
Silver is normally recovered during the processing of lead, copper and zinc ores.
Key facts...
Name: silver
Symbol: Ag
Atomic number: 47
Atomic weight: 107.88
Position in Periodic Table: transition metal, group
(11) (copper group; coinage metal); period 5 State at room temperature: solid
Colour: silver
Density of solid: 10.5 g/cc
Melting point: 960.8°C
Boiling point: 2,212°C
Origin of name: from the Anglo-Saxon word
siolfur, meaning silver. The symbol Ag comes
from the Latin word argentum, meaning silver. Shell pattern of electrons: 2–8–18–18–1
 Silver coins have been in existence for thousands of years. This is an example of a Greek tetradrachma showing Apollo. It was minted between 261 and 246 B.C.
Discovery
Known since ancient times.
Technology
Silver is widely used in jewellery (but not in modern ‘silver’ coins).‘Sterling silver’ makes the best silverware. It is an alloy with 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper. Silver is also alloyed with elements such as nickel to make electrical contacts.
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