Silver is widely used in electronics and is an integral component in making electronic goods. Name one electronic object in your house and you are likely to find silver in it. Let it be a microwave oven, toys, computer and computer accessories, televisions, telephones, the list is endless. Take a compact disc, you will evidently see silver there. So why is silver so important in all these things?
The major reason is because silver is a great conductor of electricity and is highly regarded for its ductility, malleability and strength. It is used in switches, conductors and fuses. The high thermal conductivity of silver is what makes it so popular. Because of its versatility, silver is in great demand in all industries, not just for electronic goods. The mechanical stability of silver is another reason for its great demand. When used in quartz batteries it will not just increase the working power of the cells but offers greater durability too. Using silver in electronic goods is highly cost-effective. Though gold is also a good conductor, silver is cheaper and that is why it is widely used. And it functions and lasts longer than any other known conductor of electricity. Silver has low polymer formation and that is another reason why it is extensively used.
Even if the silver gets tarnished a bit, it still conducts electricity remarkably well. It is believed that 40% of the overall silver ever produced goes into making electronic goods and that too in the US alone. After photography and silverware, it is in electronic goods that you observe the heavy use of silver.
