Why does grey colour appear when silver chloride is kept in light?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: Due to formation of silver metal
Silver chloride undergoes photochemical decomposition in sunlight: 2AgCl(s) → 2Ag(s) + Cl₂(g). The light supplies energy for the compound to split, producing metallic silver and chlorine gas. Finely divided silver is grey, so its formation causes the original white silver chloride to become grey or dark. Chlorine solidification, oxygen formation, and water formation do not explain this observation.
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct answer to this question?
Due to formation of silver metal
Why is this the correct answer?
Silver chloride undergoes photochemical decomposition in sunlight: 2AgCl(s) → 2Ag(s) + Cl₂(g). The light supplies energy for the compound to split, producing metallic silver and chlorine gas. Finely divided silver is grey, so its formation causes the original white silver chloride to become grey or dark. Chlorine solidification, oxygen formation, and water formation do not explain this observation.
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.
