- Silver is a chemical element with the symbol Ag (from the Latin “argentum”) and atomic number 47.
- It has the highest electrical conductivity of any element, making it valuable for use in electrical circuits and conductors.
- Silver has been used for thousands of years in making coins, with some of the world’s oldest coins being made of silver.
- The term “sterling silver” refers to silver that is at least 92.5% pure, and it’s commonly used for jewelry and tableware.
- Silver tarnishes when exposed to air, forming a layer of silver sulfide on its surface, but this can be easily cleaned.
- Colloidal silver, a suspension of silver particles in a liquid, has been historically used for its purported antimicrobial properties.
- Silver is an essential element for some organisms, including humans, as it plays a role in certain biological processes.
- The photography industry used silver-based compounds in photographic film and paper, although digital technology has largely replaced these methods.
NOTES
- Silver plays a role in certain biological processes, including its use in antibacterial and antifungal applications, wound dressings, and medical devices due to its ability to inhibit microbial growth.
- Hot water, baking soda, and aluminum foil can clean tarnished silver.
