Question

Silver is used to make good quality mirrors. Why?

Answer 1

Good quality mirrors are made of silver

Silver is a soft, white, lustrous transition metal, it exhibits the highest electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, and reflectivity of any metal. Silver is widely distributed in nature but the total amount is quite small when compared with other metals

The following are the reasons for silver to be used to make good quality mirrors:

1. Silver is used for making mirrors due to its high reflectivity property across the visible spectrum, reflecting $95\%$ of light.
2. It is a low-density material so its weight is comparatively lesser than the other white-colored metal.
3. It has the ability to form a smooth coating.
4. It does not react with moist air or dry oxygen and is thus non-corrosive in nature.

Hence, silver is used to make good-quality mirrors.