In a message dated 00-06-06 11:37:54 EDT, you write: << Can you explain (or cite a reference) how this "imparting a strong static charge" is accopmlished? As far as I know the only charge an ion of silver can have is +1. This is due to the fact that the silver atom will give up one electron...and only one electron during ionization. Atoms (by definition) do not have a charge since the number of protons and electrons are equal, cancelling each other out. Regards, George Martin >>
George: I was affraid someone was going to ask that question. So, let me give a try at (something of) an answer: The molecules that comprise air can be highly charged when a warm air mass flows over a cooler air mass. In fact, the static charge produced from this friction can reach such enormous levels that the air can become conductive (ionized) when lightening is produced. However, before that point, you could say that the air had a tremendous static charge. So, why is it NOT possible for SOME of the neutral silver gas atoms to be relieved of their outer shell electron by friction within the plasma, creating SOME individual Ag+ ions in the gas phase, but instantaneously forming silver agglomerates in the aqueous phase which (to be explained below), in turn, producing statically charged colloidal particles? Silver is the most conductive of metals, and metals that are highly conductive, presumably, would like to share their outer shell electrons by forming an electron cloud around associated metal atoms and ions (why not?). In so doing, the surface free energy of the particle is reduced (Nature is very big on lowering surface free energy. Ever see a cubic water droplet?), and the net deficit of outer electrons would then be evenly distributed around each particle. Therefore,. practically all silver particles become statically charged and there are no individual Ag+ ions in the sol? Your turn. Roger -- The silver-list is a moderated forum for discussion of colloidal silver. To join or quit silver-list or silver-digest send an e-mail message to: silver-list-requ...@eskimo.com -or- silver-digest-requ...@eskimo.com with the word subscribe or unsubscribe in the SUBJECT line. To post, address your message to: silver-list@eskimo.com Silver-list archive: http://escribe.com/health/thesilverlist/index.html List maintainer: Mike Devour <mdev...@eskimo.com>
