Properties of an element - Essay Example

SILVER (Ag) By of The chemical symbol for Silver is Ag. It is derived from the Latin word Argentum. Silver is a transitional metal that is well known for its high electrical conductivity, reflectivity and thermal conductivity(Hill, 2009). The metal can occur naturally in its pure form or as an alloy with other metals such as gold. Silver has been used for thousands of years. The metal was used to make ornaments and utensils. The value of the metal enabled its use as a legal tender for the exchange of goods and services.

When the Roman government reigned as the world super power in the first century, history has shown the economy at the time relied heavily on the supply of silver. The value of silver has not been affected by time. The metal is still being used to make ornaments and championship medals. However, its use as a medium of exchanged has been replaced by the use of legal tenders. Human beings are gaining knowledge with the passage of time. Many applications of the silver metal have been unearthed. For instance, silver is used in the manufacture of the crystalline solar photovoltaic panel.

Due to its reflectivity, the metal is being used in the making of the mirror-like panels that act as air conditioners when mounted on a building. Silver’s catalytic action helps in the sanitization of water. The metal is therefore used in water purifiers. It goes ahead to prevent the buildup of bacteria and algae in the filters. Many hospitals and spas prefer the use of silver to chlorine in the purification of water. Due to the imperfect nature of human beings, any organ in the body fails.

In cases of tooth decay, silver is mixed with mercury and the amalgam is used to fill the teeth (Garg and Garg, 2010). The conductivity properties of silver are very high. Therefore, some electronic products make use of silver for its superior conductivity and immunity to rusting (Silverinstitute.org, 2015). Other manufacturers go a step further to produce audio connector cables and wires that possess a six percent higher conductivity than ordinary copper. Silver dioxide batteries are preferred by many due to their long life.

Silver can reflect some forms of infrared radiations. That is why the metal is used in the making of the infrared telescopes. Silver is very important in the world of biology. Its stains are used in biology to enhance the contrast and visibility of cells in the microscope thus facilitating research. Silver is very essential in the medical field. The metal is incorporated into the dressing of wounds and as an antibiotic coating in the medical devices. External infections can also be treated using silver nanomaterials and silver sulfadiazine.

The old use of silver in trade is still alive even today. The metal is used in investing. Various types of these investments can be made in the stock market (JM Bullion, 2015). Silver is used in the making of socks and foot ware since it inhibits the growth of fungi and bacteria thus reducing odors. Certainly, the element silver is woven into the fabric of life.TablePropertyAtomic symbolAgAdditional name(s)Silver, Argentum, Siber, Silbur, Gothatomic composition (most stable isotope)107AgAdditional isotopes with nuclear composition and natural abundances (by %)107Ag (58%) 109Ag (41%)Molar mass107.

8682State of matter at room temperatureSolidColor and textureSilverMelting point961.78 degrees CelsiusBoiling point2162 degrees CelsiusDensity10490 kg per meter3 Classification on the periodic tableTransitional metalElectron configuration(full and noble gas configuration)2:8:18:18:1Atomic radius165 pmFirst ionization energy7.5762 kj/molCommon ions (if appropriate)Ag+Names and formulas of three compounds containing the elementSilver Nitrate (AgNO3) Silver Chloride (AgCl)Silver Carbonate (Ag2CO3)Other special propertiesHighly reflectiveReferencesGarg, N.

and Garg, A. (2010). Textbook of operative dentistry. New Delhi: St. Louis.Hill, L. (2009). The properties of elements and compounds. Chicago, Ill.: Raintree.JM Bullion, (2015). Gold & Silver History. [online] Available at: http://www.jmbullion.com/investing-guide/james/gold-silver-history/ [Accessed 13 Jun. 2015].Silverinstitute.org, (2015). Silver in Electronics | The Silver Institute. [online] Available at: https://www.silverinstitute.org/site/silver-in-industry/electronic/ [Accessed 13 Jun. 2015].