Question

Silver articles become black on prolonged exposure to air.

This is due to the formation of :

• A. $A{g}_{3}N$
• B. $A{g}_{2}O$
• C. $A{g}_{2}S$
• D. $A{g}_{2}S$ and $A{g}_{3}N$

Answer 1

The correct option is C $A{g}_{2}S$

Silver metal is highly unreactive, i.e., it does not react with oxygen.

But with prolonged exposure to air, it reacts with hydrogen sulphide gas ($H_{2}S$).

Silver articles form a coating of silver sulphide ($A{g}_{2}S$) and lose their shine (get tarnished).