A silver article generally turns black when kept in the open for a few days. The article when rubbed with toothpaste again starts shining. Silver articles turn black when kept in the open for a few days because of _________.

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Solution

Silver articles become black after some time when exposed to air. This is because it reacts with sulphur in the air to form a coating of silver sulphide. This phenomenon is called corrosion of silver.

The original colour and lustre of silver metal are restored by rubbing the surface with toothpaste, as this removes the sulphide layer.

So, the correct answer is corrosion.

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Question 38

A silver article generally turns black when kept in the open for a few days. The article when rubbed with toothpaste again starts shining.

(a) Why do silver articles turn black when kept in the open for a few days? Name the phenomenon involved.

(b) Name the black substance formed and give its chemical formula.

A silver article generally turns black when kept in the open for a few days. The article when rubbed with toothpaste again starts shining. Name the black substance formed and give its chemical formula :

Q. Why do silver articles turn black when kept open for a few days?
(a) Name the phenomenon involved.
(b) Name the black substance formed and give its chemical formula.

Q. Silver articles turn black when exposed to the atmosphere for a few days.

Silver articles turn black when exposed to the atmosphere for a few days due to the formation of silver sulphide.

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