Final answer:
Sterling silver is harder and more durable compared to pure silver due to the addition of other metals, typically copper, which enhances its strength. This makes it suitable for jewelry and other durable items, but it is not ideal for electrical wiring where pure silver's superior conductivity is required.
Step-by-step explanation:
Compared to pure silver, a silver alloy called sterling silver is harder and more durable, making it useful for many products. This is because alloys often have superior properties to pure metals, which is why they are extensively used in various applications. Sterling silver typically contains about 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper, which makes it stronger than pure silver. This increased durability makes sterling silver suitable for everyday jewelry, silverware, and other items that require resistance to wear and deformation. Pure silver, while being a good electrical conductor, is relatively soft and malleable. In contrast, sterling silver, though still a decent conductor, is not preferred for electrical wiring due to the presence of other metals like copper which slightly lessen its conductive properties compared to pure silver.