Question

Identify the substance underlined, in each of the following cases:
The electrolyte used for electroplating an article with silver.

Answer 1

The electrolyte used for electroplating an article with silver is potassium argentocyanide ($AgN{O}_3$ + excess $KCN$). The complex ion $\left[Ag\right(CN{)}_2{]}^{-}$ is very stable its ionisation is very small. Hence, slow and uniform deposition of silver takes place.
$\left[Ag\right(CN{)}_2{]}^{-}\rightleftharpoons A{g}^{+}+2C{N}^{-}$
Cathode is the article to be silver plated. Anode is pure silver.