Question

When Ag reacts with conc. HCl, then products will be :
A)${\text{AgCl,}}\,{\text{C}}{{\text{l}}_{\text{2}}}$
B) ${\text{AgCl,}}\,{{\text{H}}_{\text{2}}}$
C) ${\text{AgCl,}}\,{{\text{H}}_{\text{2}}},\,{\text{C}}{{\text{l}}_{\text{2}}}$
D) None of these

Answer 1

Hint: We know that when an acid undergoes reaction with a metal, then the formation of a salt and hydrogen gas takes place in case of all metals which are more reactive than hydrogen. In this reaction, the metal displaces the hydrogen from the acid and forms a salt. Here, we have to compare the reactivity of silver and hydrogen.

Complete step by step answer:
When Ag reacts with conc. HCl, then white precipitate of AgCl is formed, ${{\text{H}}_{\text{2}}}$
​ or ${{\text{Cl}}_{\text{2}}}$ is not formed as Ag is a less reactive metal.

Reduction Potential \[{{\text{E}}_{{\text{Ag}}}}\]= 0.8 V
Reduction Potential ${E_{{\text{Cl}}}}$= 1.36 V
Reduction Potential ${E_{{{\text{H}}_{\text{2}}}}}$= 0 V

So, Silver (Ag) cannot oxidise ${\text{C}}{{\text{l}}^ - }$ and cannot reduce ${{\text{H}}^ + }$.

So, the correct answer is Option d.

Additional information:
A displacement reaction is one in which a set of atoms or atoms are displaced by another atom in a molecule. For example, when iron is added to copper sulphate solution, it displaces copper metal.
\[{\text{A }} + {\text{ B}} - {\text{C }} \to {\text{ A}} - {\text{C }} + {\text{ B}}\]
The above equation exists when A is more reactive than B.
Some applications of displacement reactions include thermite welding, steel making, extraction of metals and relief from acid indigestion.

Note: Silver is a good conductor of electricity and that is why it is used in electronics and anything electrical such as circuit boards, microwave ovens etc. This metal is highly reliable and durable too. It is non-toxic which makes it the best agent for water purification, bandages, dental hygiene and even eye drops.