Properties of an element Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Properties of an element - Essay Example The value of silver has not been affected by time. The metal is still being used to make ornaments and championship medals. However, its use as a medium of exchanged has been replaced by the use of legal tenders. Human beings are gaining knowledge with the passage of time. Many applications of the silver metal have been unearthed. For instance, silver is used in the manufacture of the crystalline solar photovoltaic panel. Due to its reflectivity, the metal is being used in the making of the mirror-like panels that act as air conditioners when mounted on a building. Silver’s catalytic action helps in the sanitization of water. The metal is therefore used in water purifiers. It goes ahead to prevent the buildup of bacteria and algae in the filters. Many hospitals and spas prefer the use of silver to chlorine in the purification of water. Due to the imperfect nature of human beings, any organ in the body fails. In cases of tooth decay, silver is mixed with mercury and the amalgam is used to fill the teeth (Garg and Garg, 2010). The conductivity properties of silver are very high. Therefore, some electronic products make use of silver for its superior conductivity and immunity to rusting (Silverinstitute.org, 2015). Other manufacturers go a step further to produce audio connector cables and wires that possess a six percent higher conductivity than ordinary copper. Silver dioxide batteries are preferred by many due to their long life. Silver can reflect some forms of infrared radiations. That is why the metal is used in the making of the inf rared telescopes. Silver is very important in the world of biology. Its stains are used in biology to enhance the contrast and visibility of cells in the microscope thus facilitating research. Silver is very essential in the medical field. The metal is incorporated into the dressing of wounds and as an antibiotic