Atomic number 47
Silver
Transition metal
In the real world
Quick facts
- Atomic mass
- 107.87
- Group
- 11
- Period
- 5
- State (STP)
- solid
- Electronegativity
- 1.93
- Common ox. states
- +1
Properties
[Kr] 4d¹⁰ 5s¹
- Ionization energy
- 731.0 kJ/mol
- Electron affinity
- 125.6 kJ/mol
- Melting point
- 1234.93 K (961.8 °C)
- Boiling point
- 2435.00 K (2161.8 °C)
How dangerous is it?
A shiny, low-hazard metal that is safe to handle and is even used in some bandages for its germ-fighting effect. Only swallowing silver compounds over many years causes a problem.
- ToxicBuilds up over time
Taking in silver compounds over a very long time can permanently turn the skin a blue-gray color, a condition called argyria. (the metal is harmless to touch; the concern is long-term intake of silver compounds)
Silver compounds are not eaten or used as supplements; the cosmetic effect comes only from long, repeated exposure.
How it bonds
Silver, like copper above it, has an exceptional 4d¹⁰ 5s¹ ground state. Forms Ag⁺ in essentially every common compound - AgCl (insoluble white precipitate), AgNO₃ (soluble, used in qualitative analysis). Tarnishes in air to black Ag₂S because sulfur compounds are everywhere.
