Silver is characterized by being a metal with a grayish and white tint. This chemical element is found in the periodic table with the number 11, its atomic number is 47. The name of silver comes from the Latin “argentum” which means brilliant or white.
This metal is one of the 7 known since Antiquity. Silver is mentioned in the Bible, especially in the book of Genesis. It is said that in the islands of the Aegean, silver began to separate from lead 4 millennia BC.
Silver is a chemical element with atomic number 47 located in group 11 of the periodic table of elements. Its symbol is Ag (comes from the Latin: argentum, “white” or “bright”). It is a silvery (metallic white), lustrous, soft, ductile and malleable transition metal.
Contents
Silver configuration
Transition elements are also called transition metals, silver belongs to this group.
The characteristics of silver are similar to those of other transition metals, one of many being that the d orbital is partially filled with electrons in its electron configuration.
The properties of this class of metals include high hardness, high melting and boiling points, and function as good conductors of heat and electricity.
The simple or abbreviated electron configuration of this element is Kr]4d¹⁰ 5s¹. On the other hand, the extended or complete Electron configuration is written as follows: 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 3d10 4s2 4p6 4d10 5s1
Uses of silver
Photography
To carry out the procedure of developing photographs, it is necessary to use silver for its iodide and bromide compositions and also for its sensitivity to light.
Electricity
Silver is widely used in Electrons due to its high conductivity. In computer keyboards and integrated circuits, it is possible to find this material. Silver is also used to create high-speed, high-conductivity semiconductor wires and Electron components. Diesel locomotives are equipped with pure silver contacts which allow for better power generation.
Medicine
Although silver is a toxic material, it is used for topical application. As is the case with silver nitrate which is mixed with the skin to remove warts.
Jewelry
It is one of the best known uses of the metal. Every year jewelry such as silver chains, rings, anklets, bracelets, piercings and earrings are made. Traditional jewelry uses this material to make all kinds of jewelry.
coins
One of the oldest and most common uses of silver is in coins, it has been used since 700 BC. Before it was used in silver and gold alloys, later in pure silver. There are still countries that use silver for currency although almost all of them use nickel due to the great value that silver has gained over the past 200 years.
Alloys
In many industrial class areas, alloying silver with other metals is necessary to give them more conductivity and hardness. It is normal to find alloys of silver with thallium or with lead to cover parts and objects in the aeronautical industry and for the reinforcement of dental parts.
Silver is also often alloyed to produce and solder electrical contacts. A material of great importance in electric batteries is the alloy of zinc with silver.
computing
For the creation of computers, compounds created basically with silver are used to connect the microprocessor board to the base which has the heat sink. In this way, the processor is cooled.
Catalyst
It is used to prevent oxidation reactions, such as the creation of formaldehyde using oxygen and methanol.
Knives
Edged weapons are also called close combat weapons. Silver is used to craft swords, knives, arrowheads and spears.
various uses
Silver is used to create mirrors with high light reflectivity. Traditionally, silver is used ornamentally, and in medicine, some antiseptics are used with it.
Silver Warnings
Compounds in soluble salts that come from silver can cause death when ingested at a concentration of 2 grams. The damage associated with this ingestion is wear of the ocular cornea, damage to the pigmentation of the skin and death by poisoning. Exposure to silver fumes causes suffocation, dizziness, vomiting, drowsiness, diarrhea, and falling into a coma.
