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.