Silver is the most conductive element on Earth, outperforming even copper.

Electrical conductivity is measured using the International Annealed Copper Standard (IACS), where pure copper is assigned a value of 100%. Silver is the only element that exceeds this benchmark, boasting a conductivity rating of approximately 106% IACS. This superior performance is due to silver's unique atomic structure, which features a single valence electron that moves with very little resistance through the metal lattice.Despite its efficiency, silver costs significantly more than copper, often trading at prices over 50 to 100 times higher per ounce. In addition to the cost, silver is highly susceptible to atmospheric sulfur. This chemical reaction creates silver sulfide, a black tarnish that acts as an insulator rather than a conductor. If used in household outlets, this tarnish would increase electrical resistance, leading to energy loss and potential fire hazards from heat buildup.Because of these factors, silver is reserved for mission-critical applications where performance outweighs cost. It is commonly used in NASA satellites, high-end audio cables, and printed circuit boards for medical imaging equipment. In these environments, silver is often plated over other metals to provide the best possible signal integrity while minimizing the risk of corrosion through specialized protective coatings.