Silver is a chemical element with an atomic number of 47 and the chemical symbol Ag . It has a shiny reflective surface and a dazzling appearance. It is a very good conductor of heat and electricity, flexible and very ductile. Some qualities of Silver include;
Silver is one of the best conductors of heat and electricity this is used in the production of electronic components. Not only that but also silver is a highly reflective and ideal material of the production of mirrors. Silver has antibacterial properties therefore it is used for a wide range of medical applications and water purification components. It is very ductile and malleable and therefore easy to shape into various shapes, which accounts for its use in jewelry making and other applications.
Industrial Application of Silver
1. Electronics
Due to its high conductivity, silver is utilized in the manufacturing of many electronic components such as switches, connectors , capacitors, micro circuits and coating on electrical contacts.
2. Jewelry
Silver has a very appreciably aesthetic appearance, durability and non fade quality , therefore it is used in production of various jewelries such as earrings, necklaces, bracelets, chains and rings.
3. Photography
Silver has high sensitivity to light, therefore it is used in photographic films and papers when exposed to light a chemical reaction takes place which results in the formation of an image.
4. Mirrors
Due to its high reflective qualities, silver is ideal for the creation of mirrors for diverse applications such as bathrooms, cars, aircraft etc. It's also used for optical instruments such as telescopes and microscopes.
5. Batteries
Many devices which require the use of batteries such as watches , hearing aids and other medical devices employ the use of silver oxide batteries.
Gold
It is a chemical element with an atomic number of 79 and chemical symbol of Au , slightly yellowish orange in appearance and has malleability and ductility qualities and low reactivity with other elements thus it various use in the medical field.
Industrial Application of Gold
1. Dentistry:
Gold is an inert element and does not react with other elements and causes no allergic reaction thus it is used for tooth replacement and replacement and because it malleable it makes it easy for dentists to form it to any tooth shape.
2. Jewelry:
Due to its lustrous appearance and durability without fading, it is applied in the production of various jewelry such as earrings, necklaces, bracelets,chains among others. It's also used in the production of medals, awards , crowns and thrones etc . Thus you can call it a royal article.
3. Electronics gadgets:
Gold is used in cell phones, laptops, desktops, tablets for better transmission of digital information. It is also for microchips, microprocessors,jumping and connectors to attach cables.
Conclusion
Gold and silver although different in value and quality and even cost have almost the same areas of applications and uses . It is also worthy to know that silver is a perfect alternative for gold whenever cost is considered but gold remains an invaluable element whose properties can't be compromised in its real state. Both gold and silver have numerous and various industrial applications which makes them valuable and essential in production and technology.