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Activity 1.6 — Silver Chloride in Sunlight

NCERT Activity 1.6: Take silver chloride (AgCl) in a watch glass and place it in sunlight. Observe the white powder turn grey as silver metal forms — a photolytic decomposition.

How To Perform

1

Add Silver Chloride

Place about 2 g of white AgCl powder in a watch glass or Petri dish.

2

Place in Sunlight

Put the watch glass in bright sunlight for several minutes.

3

Observe

Watch the white powder gradually turn grey as metallic silver forms.

4

Connect to Photography

The same reaction with AgBr is what captures an image on traditional photographic film.

⚠️ Safety Notes

  • Avoid direct skin contact with silver salts — they can stain skin black.
  • Perform in a well-ventilated area — chlorine gas is released.
  • Use a watch glass or Petri dish; do not use a metal container.