Silver (Ag)
Silver (Ag) is element 47, a transition metal. Atomic mass 107.8682, configuration [Kr] 4d¹⁰ 5s¹. Properties, isotopes, oxidation states, uses and history, with an interactive 3D atom model.
Key facts
| Atomic number | 47 |
|---|---|
| Symbol | Ag |
| Standard atomic weight | 107.8682(2) |
| Category | Transition Metal |
| Group | 11 |
| Period | 5 |
| State at room temperature | Solid |
| Electron configuration | [Kr] 4d¹⁰ 5s¹ |
| Valence electrons | 1 (Variable) |
| Common oxidation states | +1 |
| Common ions | Ag⁺ |
| Electronegativity (Pauling) | 1.93 |
| First ionization energy | 731 kJ/mol |
| Electron affinity | 125.6 kJ/mol |
| Atomic radius | 165 pm |
| Density | 10.5 g/cm³ |
| Melting point | 961.78°C |
| Boiling point | 2162°C |
| Specific heat | 0.235 J/(g·°C) |
Natural isotopes
- Ag-107: Stable
- Ag-109: Stable
Common uses
- Jewelry
- Electronics (Best conductor)
- Mirrors
- Solar panels
Where it matters
- Medicine (Antibacterial properties)
- Photography (Traditional film chemistry)
Hazards
- Argyria (skin turns blue from chronic exposure)
- toxic to aquatic life
History
| Discovered | Prehistoric (~3000 BCE) |
|---|---|
| Discovered by | Ancient Civilizations |
| Name | Anglo-Saxon seolfor (Symbol Ag from Latin argentum) |