Silver Bromide Photodecomposition
2AgBr → 2Ag + Br2
Overview
Silver bromide is more photosensitive than silver chloride and was the primary photosensitive material in photographic film. Blue and UV light excite electrons in the AgBr crystal lattice, reducing silver ions at crystal defects to form a latent image. Chemical development then amplifies these silver clusters.
Participants
| Role | Substance | Coefficient | State |
|---|---|---|---|
| Product | Silver Ag | 2 | (s) |
Everyday Example
Color and black-and-white photographic film used AgBr crystals in gelatin emulsion to capture images for over a century.
Industrial Importance
AgBr was central to the multi-billion dollar photographic film industry. Kodak and Fuji built global businesses on AgBr emulsion technology.
Properties
- Type
- Photochemical
- Reversible
- No
- Energy
- Endothermic
- ΔH
- 199.0 kJ/mol
Related Reactions
Chlorophyll Fluorescence
Cis-Trans Isomerization of Retinal
Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell (Grätzel Cell)
Firefly Bioluminescence (Luciferin Oxidation)
Luminol Chemiluminescence
Ozone Decomposition by UV
Ozone Formation by UV Light
Photocatalytic NOx Removal
Photocatalytic Water Splitting (TiO₂)
Photochemical Cycloaddition ([2+2])
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the equation for Silver Bromide Photodecomposition?
The balanced equation is: 2AgBr → 2Ag + Br₂.
What type of reaction is Silver Bromide Photodecomposition?
Silver Bromide Photodecomposition is a photochemical reaction.
Is Silver Bromide Photodecomposition exothermic or endothermic?
Silver Bromide Photodecomposition is endothermic (absorbs energy). The enthalpy change (ΔH) is 199.0 kJ/mol.