White silver chloride turns grey in sunlight. What type of reaction occurs, and which product causes the grey colour?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: Photolytic decomposition and silver metal
In sunlight, silver chloride decomposes: \(2\mathrm{AgCl}(s) \xrightarrow{\text{sunlight}} 2\mathrm{Ag}(s) + \mathrm{Cl}_2(g)\). This is a photolytic decomposition reaction. The silver metal formed is grey, so white silver chloride gradually appears grey. Chlorine gas is also produced, but it does not cause the grey colour.
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What is the correct answer to this question?
Photolytic decomposition and silver metal
Why is this the correct answer?
In sunlight, silver chloride decomposes: \(2\mathrm{AgCl}(s) \xrightarrow{\text{sunlight}} 2\mathrm{Ag}(s) + \mathrm{Cl}_2(g)\). This is a photolytic decomposition reaction. The silver metal formed is grey, so white silver chloride gradually appears grey. Chlorine gas is also produced, but it does not cause the grey colour.
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.
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