Question

It has been noticed that silverware becomes black faster today than it did fifty years ago. What can be the reason for this?

Answer 1

Silverwares become black due to the formation of a thin layer of silver sulphide on them by reacting with hydrogen sulphide present in the air.
$2\mathrm{Ag}+{\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{S}\to {\mathrm{Ag}}_2\mathrm{S}+{\mathrm{H}}_2$
Fifty years ago, the presence of hydrogen sulphide in the air was very less due to pollution free environment. Thus, silver objects did not become black faster. Now a days, industrial revolution and excessive usage of automobiles have increased the percentage of sulphur in air. This has further increased the percentage of hydrogen sulphide leading to fading or blackening of silver objects faster.