  We have analyzed the atomic arrangements and quantum conductance of silver
nanowires generated by mechanical elongation. The surface properties of Ag
induce unexpected structural properties, as for example, predominance of high
aspect ratio rod-like wires. The structural behavior was used to understand the
Ag quantum conductance data and the proposed correlation was confirmed by means
of theoretical calculations. These results emphasize that the conductance of
metal point contacts is determined by the preferred atomic structures and, that
atomistic descriptions are essential to interpret the quantum transport
behavior of metal nanostructures.
