Decomposition of Silver Chloride (Photodecomposition)

2AgCl → 2Ag + Cl2

Overview

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

Role Substance Coefficient State
Reactant Silver Chloride AgCl 2 (s)
Product Chlorine Cl 1 (g)
Product Silver Ag 2 (s)

Everyday Example

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

Industrial Importance

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

Properties

Type
Decomposition
Reversible
No
Energy
Endothermic
ΔH
254.0 kJ/mol

Related Reactions

Cracking of Octane (Thermal Cracking) Decomposition of Ammonium Nitrate Decomposition of Barium Peroxide Decomposition of Calcium Carbonate (Calcination) Decomposition of Calcium Hypochlorite Decomposition of Carbonic Acid Decomposition of Hydrogen Peroxide Decomposition of Iron(II,III) Oxide (Direct Reduction) Decomposition of Nitroglycerin Decomposition of Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)

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.