The Ag element - Lab Report Example

Silver (Ag) Silver is an element with the symbol Ag. Its atomic number is 47, and it is silver in color. Ag is one of the elements that have been studied by very few groups compared to light elements. Some of the groups that studied this element as depicted by Hansen (15) include Crawford et al., 1998; Johnson & Bolte, 2002, and Honda et al., 2006. According to Hansen (15), the information provided by these groups link the origin of Ag to some stars. For instance, Crawford et al. (1998) claim to have identified Ag in seven stars.

In relation to their assertion, Johnson and Bolte (2002) argue that detected Ag upper limits in three stars. According to Watt (4), Ag has been prized one of the precious metal next to gold from earliest days of Civilizations. Since medieval times, countries have enacted laws to protect this precious metal. This is evidenced by the requirement for the goods made of Ag to be tested as well as stamped before being sold (Watt 4). Silver is a unique element with distinguishable chemical properties.

Although Ag is chemically inactive, it may be attacked by concentrated nitric acid and sulfuric acid. In relation to its inactiveness, Ag does not react with oxygen, nitrogen or hydrogen at normal temperatures. However, a thin layer of Ag at the surface of the metal can oxidize. Its melting point is 961.930c whereas its boiling point is 2212.00c. The valence electron potential of Ag is 11.4eV. Apart from having a quite moderate ionization potential, Ag has 11.3kj/mol as its heat of fusion. Ag does not react readily with other acids like concentrated nitric acid and sulfuric acid.

Additionally, Ag does not react with water and other compounds. Another interesting chemical property of Ag is its ability to form many new compounds, as well as dissolve into many solutions. It is as a result of this property that silver is regarded as the most deadly element in humans. It can be absorbed at a slow rate by the body tissues and organs. Ag damages the cornea when it comes into contact with the eyes. A high concentration of Ag can result in death. The physical properties of Ag are defined by its appearance, density, and malleability.

Ag is a whitish metal. It can be polished to produce a silvery shine appearance. Ag is also ductile, and as a result of this, it can be formatted into thin sheets by light beatings. In addition to this, Ag can be bent into any shape because it is malleable. As it was introduced above, Ag is a good conductor of both heat and electricity; it is considered one of the best conductor of heat and electricity metal in modern industrial applications. Silver, as well as its compounds, has many uses. As introduced above, Ag is a best conductor of both heat and electricity among all known metals.

As a result of this, it is often used in making solders, electrical contacts, as well as printed circuit boards. Ag is also known as the best reflector of visible light. However, silver mirrors must be coated with a protective lining in order to protect them from tarnishing. Ag has also been used in making coins; however, today this role has been replaced by other metals (Hilliard and Butterman 25). Sterling silver, an alloy that contains 92.5% silver is employed in making silverware, jewelry, as well as other decorative items (Hilliard and Butterman 23).

In addition to this, silver iodide (AgI) being used to seed cloud in order to produce rain, high capacity batteries are often made with silver and zinc or silver and cadmium. Additionally, Ag is used in the formation of silver nitrate (AgNO3) which is used in making photographic films and papers because of the light sensitiveness of silver (Hilliard and Butterman 20).Works CitedHansen, Camilla. Understanding the Astrophysical Origin of Silver, Palladium and other Neutron-Capture Elements. 2010. Web. 19 May 2015.

https://www.imprs- astro.mpg.de/sites/default/files/2010_Hansen_Camilla_Juul.pdfHilliard, H and Butterman, W. Mineral Commodity Profiles: Silver. Science for a Changing World. 2005. Web. 19 May 2015. http://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2004/1251/2004-1251.pdf Silver Chemical Properties. 2014. Web. 19 May 2015. http://www.tutorvista.com/chemistry/silver-chemical-propertiesThomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility - Office of Science Education. The Element Silver. 19 May 2015. Web. 19 May 2015. http://education.jlab.org/faq/index.

html Watt, Susan. Silver. New York: Marshall Cavendish, 2003.