Silver is a Block D, Group 11, Period 5 element. The number of electrons in each of Silver's shells is 2, 8, 18, 18, 1 and its electronic configuration is [Kr]4d¹⁰ 5s¹. In its elemental form silver's CAS number is 7440-22-4. The silver atom has a radius of 144.5.pm and it's Van der Waals radius is 144.pm. Silver is not toxic although most silver salts are poisonous. Silver has a brilliant white metallic luster. It is a little harder than gold and is very ductile and malleable, being exceeded only by gold and perhaps palladium. Pure silver has the highest electrical and thermal conductivity of all metals, and possesses the lowest contact resistance. It is stable in pure air and water, but tarnishes when exposed to ozone, hydrogen sulfide, or air containing sulfur. Silver nitrate has wide application in painting, xerography, chemical electroplating, in components for electric batteries and in medicine as catalyst. Silver chloride is another important compound, due to its ductility and malleability. The organic compounds of the element are used in the coating of several metals and in dynamite or other explosive bars. Metallic silver is used as a catalyst of several oxidation reactions such as those of ethanol and other alcohols. Silver is available as metal and compounds with purities from 99% to 99.9999% (ACS grade to ultra-high purity); metals in the form of foil, sputtering target, and rod, and compounds as submicron and nanopowder. Silver was first discovered by Early Man. Silver was named after the Anglo-Saxon word "seolfor" or "siolfur" meaning 'silver'. See Silver research below.

Aluminum is a Block P, Group 13, Period 3 element. The number of electrons in each of Aluminum's shells is 2, 8, 3 and its electronic configuration is [Ne] 3s² 3p¹. In its elemental form aluminum's CAS number is 7429-90-5. The aluminum atom has a radius of 143.2.pm and it's Van der Waals radius is 200.pm. Aluminum is the most abundant metal in the earth's crust. Aluminum is not known to be harmful but ingestion may cause Alzheimer's disease.Aluminum is a silvery-white metal that possesses many desirable characteristics. It is light, nonmagnetic and nonsparking. It stands second among metals in the scale of malleability, and sixth in ductility. It is extensively used in many industrial applications where a strong, light, easily constructed material is needed. Although it's electrical conductivity is only about 60% that of copper, it is used in electrical transmission lines because of its light weight. Pure aluminum is soft and lacks strength, but alloyed with small amounts of copper, magnesium, silicon, manganese, or other elements impart a variety of useful properties. These alloys are of vital importance in the construction of modern aircraft and rockets. Aluminum, evaporated in a vacuum, forms a highly reflective coating for both visible light and radiant heat. They are used to coat telescope mirrors. Aluminum is available as metal and compounds with purities from 99% to 99.9999% (ACS grade to ultra-high purity); metals in the form of foil, sputtering target, and rod, and compounds as submicron and nanopowder. See Aluminum research below.