Periodic table / Silver

Overview

Silver is a chemical element with symbol Ag (Greek:άργυρος árguros, Latin:argentum, both from the Indo-European root *h₂erǵ- for "grey" or "shining") and atomic number 47. A soft, white, lustrous transition metal, it possesses the highest electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity and reflectivity of any metal. The metal occurs naturally in its pure, free form (native silver), as an alloy with gold and other metals, and in minerals such as argentite and chlorargyrite.

Electron configuration

The electron configuration of Silver is [Kr] 4d10 5s1, with electron shells of 2, 8, 18, 18, 1.

Physical and chemical properties

Silver is classified as a transition metal. It has an atomic mass of 107.868 and exists as a solid at standard conditions, appearing as lustrous white metal.

Real-world uses of Silver

As a transition metal, Silver is typically used in alloys, industrial manufacturing, electronics, or as a catalyst in chemical reactions.

Interesting facts about Silver

• Silver has the atomic number 47 and chemical symbol Ag.
• It belongs to period 5, group 11 of the periodic table.
• Silver was known to humans since unknown, before 5000 BC.

Explore Silver interactively

Want to compare Silver with other elements or see it highlighted on the full table? Open the interactive periodic table and click on Ag to explore properties, trends, and neighboring elements. You can also test your knowledge with our periodic table quiz game.