Silver, Fighting Bacteria One Cell Membrane at a Time The Element No. 47 Silver, Fighting Bacteria One Cell Membrane at a Time By: Alisha Monsibais

Silver 47 Atomic Number: 47 Atomic Weight: 107. 8682 Density: 10.501 Melting Point: 1234.93 K Boiling Point: 2435 K State at Room Temp: Solid Element Classification: Metal Ag Silver 107.8682

Definition of Silver The Element Silver is defined as a lustrous white, ductile, malleable metallic element, occurring both uncombined and in ores such as argentite, having the highest thermal and electrical conductivity of the metals. It is highly valued for jewelry, tableware, and other ornamental use and is widely used in coinage, photography, dental and soldering alloys, electrical contacts, and printed circuits.

History of Silver’s Name >The word silver is from the Anglo-Saxon word “seolfer” >The chemical symbol comes from the Latin word “argentum”, also meaning silver.

Silver and the U.S. In 1792, silver assumed a key role in the United States monetary system when the currency was based on the silver dollar. Silver was used for the nation’s coinage until its use was discontinued in 1965. The beginning of the 20th century manifested an important economic function for silver, that of an industrial raw material.

Common uses of Silver Currency Jewelry Silver wear Photographs Dental Alloys Electrical Conductor

Why we use Silver for Silver Wear. . . . Sterling silver is the most hygienic metal known to man. It has actual germ killing properties. It is also the most durable art form and the most economical purchase that can be made for the home. Sterling silver grows more beautiful with the passing years, never wears out, and can be passed along as part of a heritage that grows stronger with passing generations.

Interesting Compounds High capacity batteries can be made with silver and zinc and silver and cadmium. Sliver nitrate (AgNO3) is light sensitive and is used to make photographic films and papers. Silver iodide (AgI) is used to seed clouds to produce rain. →

Silver & Medicine Silverlon Bandages are currently in use by hospitals such as Johns Hopkins, the Mayo Clinic, Northwestern University, University of Michigan, and Baylor University as well as several active military units in Afghanistan, Iraq and Germany.

Interesting Facts Pure Silver is the best conductor of heat and electricity of all the known metals Silver has superior bactericidal qualities. Small concentrations of silver or silver salts kill bacteria by chemically affecting the cell membranes, causing them to break down. Silver has the highest degree of optical reflectivity of all elements. A silver mirror can reflect about 95% of the visible light spectrum. Silver can be drawn into a wire finer than a human hair We have a federal law which requires that all silver stamped "sterling" must be 925 parts of pure silver in every thousand parts of metal. The additional 75 parts out of a thousand are to add stiffness and durability as pure silver is quite soft.