Silber

Silber, in German, is the chemical element with the symbol Ag and atomic number 47. It is a transition metal renowned for its bright luster, high reflectivity, and exceptional electrical and thermal conductivity. It has the highest electrical conductivity of any metal and very high thermal conductivity. At room temperature it is soft and ductile, often drawn into wires or hammered into sheets.

Its physical properties include a melting point of 961.8°C, a boiling point of 2162°C, and a density of 10.49 g/cm3. Chemically, silver is relatively resistant to corrosion but tarnishes in air due to sulfur compounds, forming silver sulfide. It dissolves in nitric acid to yield silver nitrate and forms the diamine complex [Ag(NH3)2]+ with ammonia.

Silber occurs in nature both as native metal and in ore minerals such as argentite (Ag2S) and chlorargyrite (AgCl). Major producers include Mexico, Peru, China, Russia, and Australia. Refining is achieved through smelting and electrolytic processes, and a substantial portion is recovered from recycled silver-bearing scrap.

Common uses include jewelry, coins, silverware, electrical contacts and connectors, mirrors, and various coatings. Silver halides historically revolutionized photography, and the metal remains important in electronics, photovoltaics, and antimicrobial applications due to silver ions.

Safety and environmental considerations include the toxicity of silver compounds to aquatic life and the cosmetic condition argyria, which can result from chronic silver exposure. Proper handling and disposal are advised to minimize environmental impact.