The Ag element Lab Report Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

The Ag element - Lab Report Example According to Watt (4), Ag has been prized one of the precious metal next to gold from earliest days of Civilizations. Since medieval times, countries have enacted laws to protect this precious metal. This is evidenced by the requirement for the goods made of Ag to be tested as well as stamped before being sold (Watt 4). Silver is a unique element with distinguishable chemical properties. Although Ag is chemically inactive, it may be attacked by concentrated nitric acid and sulfuric acid. In relation to its inactiveness, Ag does not react with oxygen, nitrogen or hydrogen at normal temperatures. However, a thin layer of Ag at the surface of the metal can oxidize. Its melting point is 961.930c whereas its boiling point is 2212.00c. The valence electron potential of Ag is 11.4eV. Apart from having a quite moderate ionization potential, Ag has 11.3kj/mol as its heat of fusion. Ag does not react readily with other acids like concentrated nitric acid and sulfuric acid. Additionally, Ag does not react with water and other compounds. Another interesting chemical property of Ag is its ability to form many new compounds, as well as dissolve into many solutions. It is as a result of this property that silver is regarded as the most deadly element in humans. It can be absorbed at a slow rate by the body tissue s and organs. Ag damages the cornea when it comes into contact with the eyes. A high concentration of Ag can result in death. The physical properties of Ag are defined by its appearance, density, and malleability. Ag is a whitish metal. It can be polished to produce a silvery shine appearance. Ag is also ductile, and as a result of this, it can be formatted into thin sheets by light beatings. In addition to this, Ag can be bent into any shape because it is malleable. As it was introduced above, Ag is a good conductor of both heat and electricity; it is considered one of the best conductor of heat