Silver has the highest electrical conductivity of any chemical element at room temperature. Its symbol is Ag, from the Latin argentum, and its atomic number is 47.
Silver's high conductivity results from the way electrons move through its metallic structure with relatively little resistance. Copper is used much more widely in electrical wiring because it is substantially cheaper and more abundant, even though silver conducts electricity better.
Silver is also the most thermally conductive metal and is highly reflective to visible light. These properties support uses in electrical contacts, mirrors, specialized coatings, electronics, and some photovoltaic technologies. Silver compounds and silver ions have also been used in antimicrobial applications.
Silver should not be confused with sterling silver, which is an alloy rather than pure elemental silver. Sterling silver usually contains 92.5% silver by mass, with the remainder commonly including copper. Silver tarnish is mainly associated with reactions involving sulfur-containing substances, producing dark silver sulfide on the surface.