Silver is classified as a metal. In terms of the periodic table, metals are typically found on the left side and in the center, while nonmetals are located on the right side. Silver, with the chemical symbol Ag, belongs to the group of transition metals.
One of the defining characteristics of metals is their ability to conduct electricity and heat efficiently, and silver is known to be the best conductor of electricity among all metals. It also possesses properties such as ductility (the ability to be drawn into wires) and malleability (the ability to be hammered into thin sheets), which are typical traits of metals.
In contrast, metalloids exhibit properties that are intermediate between metals and nonmetals; they are semiconductors, meaning they can conduct electricity but not as effectively as metals. Nonmetals, on the other hand, do not conduct electricity well and generally have more varied physical properties.
In summary, silver is clearly categorized as a metal due to its electrical conductivity, malleability, and ductility, distinguishing it from metalloids and nonmetals.