What is the main reason that white silver chloride turns grey during its photolytic decomposition?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: Formation of metallic silver
In sunlight, silver chloride decomposes: \(2\mathrm{AgCl}(s)\xrightarrow{\text{sunlight}}2\mathrm{Ag}(s)+\mathrm{Cl}_2(g)\). The metallic silver formed is grey, so the white silver chloride gradually appears grey. Chlorine gas is also produced, but metallic silver is the main cause of the colour change.
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct answer to this question?
Formation of metallic silver
Why is this the correct answer?
In sunlight, silver chloride decomposes: \(2\mathrm{AgCl}(s)\xrightarrow{\text{sunlight}}2\mathrm{Ag}(s)+\mathrm{Cl}_2(g)\). The metallic silver formed is grey, so the white silver chloride gradually appears grey. Chlorine gas is also produced, but metallic silver is the main cause of the colour change.
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.
