Silver (Ag)
Transition metal
Silver is the best electrical and thermal conductor of all metals and has been treasured as money and jewellery for millennia. Its ions kill bacteria, a property used from wound dressings to water filters.
Position on the periodic table
Atomic properties
| Atomic number | 47 |
|---|---|
| Atomic mass | 107.868 amu |
| Electron configuration | 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 4s2 3d10 4p6 5s1 4d10 |
| Noble gas shorthand | [Kr] 4d10 5s1 |
| Electrons per shell | 2, 8, 18, 18, 1 |
| Valence electrons (outer shell) | 1 |
| Common oxidation states | +1 |
| Electronegativity (Pauling) | 1.93 |
| Covalent radius (approx.) | 145 pm |
| First ionization energy | 731 kJ/mol |
| Electron affinity | 125.9 kJ/mol |
Physical properties
| State at 25 °C | Solid |
|---|---|
| Density | 10.49 g/cm³ |
| Melting point | 961.78 °C (1234.9 K) |
| Boiling point | 2161.8 °C (2435 K) |
| Appearance | lustrous white metal |
| Radioactive | No |
| Origin | Occurs naturally |
Electron configuration of silver
Silver's ground-state electron configuration is 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 4s2 3d10 4p6 5s1 4d10, usually shortened to [Kr] 4d10 5s1. Its electrons occupy 5 shells (2, 8, 18, 18, 1), placing it in period 5 of the d-block. Explore it interactively in the electron configuration calculator.
Uses of silver
- Electrical contacts and printed electronics
- Solar panels
- Jewellery, cutlery and coins
- Antibacterial dressings and coatings
Biological role: No biological role; silver ions are strongly antimicrobial.
Occurrence: Found native and in ores; most production is a by-product of copper, lead and zinc mining.
Common compounds of silver
AgNO3
Silver nitrate
AgCl
Silver chloride
History and discovery
Discovered: Known since ancient times — unknown, before 5000 BC. Name origin: From Old English seolfor; the symbol Ag comes from Latin argentum.
Mined since at least 3000 BCE; ancient Athens was bankrolled by the silver mines of Laurion.
Safety notes
Metallic silver is safe to handle; chronic ingestion of silver compounds can permanently tint skin blue-grey (argyria).
Educational context only — always follow your school's laboratory rules and never handle chemicals without proper supervision. See our disclaimer.
Practice questions
Quick practice: Silver
1. What is the chemical symbol of Silver?
2. What is the atomic number of Silver?
3. Which category does Silver belong to?
4. What is the state of Silver at room temperature?
5. Which period of the periodic table is Silver in?
Silver FAQs
What is the atomic number of silver?
Silver's atomic number is 47 — every silver atom has 47 protons in its nucleus.
What is the symbol for silver?
Ag. From Old English seolfor; the symbol Ag comes from Latin argentum.
Is silver a metal, nonmetal, or metalloid?
Silver is classified as a transition metal.
What state is silver at room temperature?
At about 25 °C, silver is a solid. It melts at 961.78 °C.
What is silver used for?
Key uses include: electrical contacts and printed electronics; solar panels; jewellery, cutlery and coins.
Related elements
Keep working with this element
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