Decomposition of Silver Chloride (Photodecomposition)

2AgCl → 2Ag + Cl2

Aperçu

Silver chloride decomposes when exposed to light, forming metallic silver and chlorine gas. This photosensitivity is the foundation of silver-based photography. The white compound darkens to gray or black as metallic silver particles form on the crystal surface.

Participants

Rôle Substance Coefficient État
Réactif Silver Chloride AgCl 2 (s)
Produit Chlorine Cl 1 (g)
Produit Silver Ag 2 (s)

Exemple du quotidien

Traditional film photography relies on the photodecomposition of silver halides (including silver chloride) to capture images.

Importance industrielle

While digital photography has largely replaced film, silver halide photosensitivity is still used in specialty photographic papers, holography, and some medical imaging applications.

Propriétés

Type
Decomposition
Réversible
Non
Énergie
Endothermique
ΔH
254,0 kJ/mol

Réactions associées

Decomposition of Ammonium Nitrate Decomposition of Calcium Hypochlorite Decomposition of Carbonic Acid Decomposition of Iron(II,III) Oxide (Direct Reduction) Decomposition of Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas) Decomposition of Barium Peroxide Decomposition of Sodium Bicarbonate Decomposition of Water (Electrolysis) Thermal Decomposition of Copper(II) Carbonate Cracking of Octane (Thermal Cracking)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the equation for Decomposition of Silver Chloride (Photodecomposition)?
The balanced equation is: 2AgCl → 2Ag + Cl₂.
What type of reaction is Decomposition of Silver Chloride (Photodecomposition)?
Decomposition of Silver Chloride (Photodecomposition) is a decomposition reaction.
Is Decomposition of Silver Chloride (Photodecomposition) exothermic or endothermic?
Decomposition of Silver Chloride (Photodecomposition) is endothermic (absorbs energy). The enthalpy change (ΔH) is 254.0 kJ/mol.