Silver is a precious metal that has been used and valued by humans for thousands of years. It has many unique properties that make it useful for jewelry, utensils, currency, and more. So what exactly is the “metal code” for silver? Let’s take a closer look.
The Periodic Table
All chemical elements, including metals like silver, are organized on the periodic table of elements. The periodic table arranges elements according to their atomic number, which is the number of protons in an atom of that element. The table also groups elements with similar properties into columns called “groups” or “families.”
The atomic number uniquely identifies each element. Silver’s atomic number is 47, meaning it has 47 protons in its nucleus. The periodic table symbol for silver is Ag, from the Latin name argentum.
Group 11
On the periodic table, silver is located in group 11, also known as the coinage metals. The other elements in this group are copper and gold. Group 11 elements share some physical properties, like being soft, dense, and having high electrical and thermal conductivity.
Because they are relatively inert and resistant to corrosion, the coinage metals have traditionally been used to make money. In fact, the English word “silver” comes from the same Old English root as “money.”
Alkali Metal
Although in the same group as copper and gold, silver is technically classified as an alkali metal. Alkali metals make up the first group on the periodic table, marked by their low density and high reactivity. However, silver is distinguished from other alkali metals by its high density, low reactivity, and high conductivity.
So while silver shares some properties with alkali metals, its categorization is not as clear cut. Most chemists consider it a transition metal due to its physical and chemical attributes being intermediate between an alkali and transition metal.
Atomic Structure
Here is a closer look at the atomic structure of silver:
- Atomic number: 47
- Atomic symbol: Ag
- Group: 11 (Coinage metal)
- Period: 5
- Atomic weight: 107.8682 u
- Electron configuration: [Kr] 4d10 5s1
Silver has 47 electrons orbiting its nucleus in specific energy levels, designated 1s, 2s, 2p, 3s, etc. The outermost energy level, called the valence shell, has a single 5s electron. The valence electrons are the ones involved in chemical bonds with other elements.
Unique Properties
Here are some key properties of silver in its pure form:
- Atomic mass: 107.8682 u
- Melting point: 961.8°C
- Boiling point: 2,212°C
- Density: 10.501 g/cm3
- Phase at room temperature: Solid
- Element category: Transition metal
Silver has the highest electrical and thermal conductivity of all metals. It also has the lowest contact resistance, allowing it to readily conduct electricity. These properties make it useful for electrical components and wiring.
Silver also has the highest light reflectance of any metal, giving it a brilliant white luster. This makes it ideal for mirrors, jewelry, and decorative items.
Abundance in Nature
Silver mainly occurs naturally in the form of ores containing other elements like sulfur, arsenic, antimony, or chlorine. The principal silver ores are sulfides like acanthite (Ag2S) and horn silver (AgCl). Significant deposits are found in North and South America.
Here are some key facts about natural silver deposits:
- Found in mineral veins, ores, and nuggets
- Occurs naturally alloyed with gold and other metals
- Primary mining countries: Mexico, Peru, China, Russia, Poland
- Estimated global reserves: 560,000 metric tons
- Seawater contains very low concentrations of silver
Silver ore goes through beneficiation to achieve a high purity of silver. This includes processes like crushing, grinding, froth flotation, and amalgamation. The metal is then extracted through smelting or electrolysis.
Uses
Here are some of the primary uses of silver today:
| Use | Description |
|---|---|
| Jewelry and silverware | Used for jewelry, flatware, decor due to beautiful white metallic luster |
| Coins and medals | Used for minting coins, military medals, trophies |
| Electronics | Used for conductors, circuits, switches, solders due to high conductivity |
| Mirrors and optics | Coatings for mirrors and lenses due to high light reflectance |
| Medical uses | Wound dressings, stents, medical instruments for antimicrobial properties |
| Photography | Photographic emulsions, film due to sensitivity to light |
| Water purification | Silver nanoparticles and ionization used to sanitize drinking water |
| Investments | Silver coins and bullion used for investing due to intrinsic value |
Silver has the highest thermal and electrical conductivity of all metals, along with strong antimicrobial properties. These make it extremely functional beyond just its ornamental uses.
Market Value
As a precious metal and investment asset, silver has a fluctuating price based on market factors. Here is a look at key metrics for silver’s market value:
- Gold/silver ratio: ~75:1 (i.e. 1 oz gold = 75 oz silver)
- 52-week price range: $17.50 – $30.16 per troy ounce
- Current spot price (Sept 2023): $19.31/ozt
- Total global production (2022): 25,000 metric tons
- Leading silver traders: CME, COMEX
Silver tends to exhibit high volatility compared to other assets. Its prices reached record highs in 2020 due to economic instability driven by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Investing in Silver
There are several ways to invest in silver including:
- Silver bullion coins and bars
- Silver certificates
- Silver futures contracts
- Silver ETFs (exchange traded funds)
- Silver mining stocks
- Precious metals IRA
Investors favor silver over other precious metals because it carries lower premiums over spot price. It also provides an affordable way to invest in precious metals compared to gold.
Conclusion
Silver’s atomic number of 47 identifies it uniquely on the periodic table, where it lies in group 11 as a transition metal. It has the atomic symbol Ag, atomic weight of 107.8682 u, and distinctive electron configuration giving it a valence of 1. Silver’s unique properties like high reflectivity, conductivity, and antimicrobial activity depend on this atomic structure.
In nature, silver mainly occurs in sulfide ores and is mined commercially in several countries. Metallic silver has many applications including jewelry, medicine, electronics, and photography. As an investment asset, silver trades on commodities exchanges with a spot price linked to gold.
So in summary, the “metal code” that distinguishes pure silver is its atomic number of 47 on the periodic table. This defines its chemical and physical properties which make it such a versatile precious metal.
