What happens when silver chloride is exposed to sunlight?

If you're curious about what happens when silver chloride is exposed to sunlight? then this is for you! In this article, we'll take a closer look at the photochemical reaction that occurs when silver chloride is exposed to sunlight. 

Silver chloride formula- AgCl

Silver chloride is white, odourless, water-insoluble solid substance.

Silver chloride is photosensitive so it gets decomposed when exposed to light.

When silver chloride is exposed to sunlight, its colour changes to grey.

Silver chloride is decomposed in presence of sunlight to give silver and chlorine gas, the reaction is photolysis.

 

 The reaction can be represented by the following equation:

 

`2AgCl_(s)\overset{sunlight}{\rightarrow}2Ag + Cl_2`

The decomposition of silver chloride occurs due to the absorption of light energy.

The ultraviolet rays of the sun break the bonds between silver and chlorine.

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FAQs

   1.  What is the colour of silver chloride?

Ans,-  Silver chloride is a white powder.

   

   2.  Which reaction takes place when silver chloride is exposed to sunlight?

Ans.-  Photo-decomposition or photolysis reaction.

   3.  What happens to silver chloride when it is exposed to sunlight?

Ans. – Silver chloride gets decomposed when it is exposed to sunlight.

   

   4.  Why does silver chloride turn grey or black when exposed to sunlight?

Ans. – The formation of metallic silver on the surface of silver chloride is the reason for its grey colour when exposed to sunlight.

   

   5.  Is silver chloride the only light-sensitive material used in photography?

Ans.-  No, silver bromide(AgBr) is also used in black-and-white photography.