Silver chloride turns grey when kept in sunlight. What is the correct reason?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: Silver chloride decomposes in light to form silver
Silver chloride is photosensitive. On exposure to sunlight, it undergoes photochemical decomposition: 2AgCl → 2Ag + Cl₂. The finely divided silver produced is grey, so option A correctly explains the colour change. Dissolving in water does not produce grey silver, and the other options contain chemically impossible products or incorrectly identify the process.
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct answer to this question?
Silver chloride decomposes in light to form silver
Why is this the correct answer?
Silver chloride is photosensitive. On exposure to sunlight, it undergoes photochemical decomposition: 2AgCl → 2Ag + Cl₂. The finely divided silver produced is grey, so option A correctly explains the colour change. Dissolving in water does not produce grey silver, and the other options contain chemically impossible products or incorrectly identify the process.
Which subject and chapter does this question cover?
This is a Class 10 Science question. Chapter: Chemical Substances – Nature and Behaviour. Topic: Chemical Reactions and Equations.
