 |
AG 47 - Silver on the Periodic Table of Elements |
|
An introduction to the 47th element of the periodic table. A transition metal, silver appears as a shiny gray solid at room temperature, however in its pure form it appears as a bright white metal. Known of since ancient times, silver has been an element commonly used throughout human history. Silver’s chemical symbol, Ag, comes from the Latin argentum. The English word silver comes from the word seolfor, an Anglo-Saxon word for the metal. This precious metal has an atomic number of 47 and an atomic weight of 07.8682. It has a melting point of 961.8 degrees C (1763.2 degrees F), and is found in Group 11 of the periodic table - the same group as the metals copper (Cu) and gold (Au). |
|
Silver is a malleable metal, only slightly less so than gold. It is also the greatest conductor of electricity of any metal. While silver is a stable element, it tarnishes after being exposed to ozone and sulfur gasses in the air. Silver is found buried in underground deposits. The metal can be found either in veins of pure silver or as part of an ore such as argentite. Humans have used elemental silver for thousands of years, and it has been considered a precious metal used for decorative purposes or for jewelry since ancient times. Silver bullion, in addition to gold, has also been used directly as a currency. While most currencies today use other, cheaper elements for coins, AG 47 has a long history of being used in coin making. Silver has always been used as a show of wealth by the upper classes. Silversmithing as a profession was a popular means for families to turn their wealth into tangible objects, such as tableware, pots, or kettles. These kinds of tableware use an alloy of silver known as sterling silver which was replaced by the Britannia standard in 1697. Silver today is used in many technical applications. It’s high level of electrical conductivity makes it a key ingredient in most electronics. It is also used in the circuit boards that power every computer. It can also be used in other electrical contacts or as solder, and is often the best choice in any circumstance requiring a conductive metal, especially as the price of silver is quite low when compared with other precious metals. Silver is also used in the creation of mirrors. As one of the greatest reflectors of light, silver is key in the construction of all sorts of reflective surfaces. Batteries are usually composed of a combination of zinc and cadmium with silver used as a conductor. Cloudseeding, planting clouds with chemicals designed to cause rain, is practiced with silver iodide. Lastly, photography is only possible because of silver nitrate used in the film which creates an image due to its sensitivity to light. This nitrate used in film is the greatest consumer of 47th element today. |
|
By Buysilvercoins.org.uk Monday, Jun 26, 2011 - Site map - Privacy policy |