Question

Silver chloride undergoes decomposition in presence of sunlight.
A. True.
B. False.

Answer 1

Hint: We know that the decomposition reaction in reactants broken down to simpler substances by absorbing energy from photons is defined as a photolytic decomposition reaction. The decomposition of ozone is a suitable example of a photolytic decomposition reaction.
${O_3} + h\gamma \xrightarrow{{}}{O_2} + {O^.}$

Complete step by step answer: First, we understand the decomposition reaction.
If a compound breaks down to two or more substances then it is a decomposition reaction. The general equation for the reaction is,
$AB\xrightarrow{{}}A + B$
Silver halides especially Silver chloride and Silver bromide undergo decomposition in presence of sunlight to produce silver metal and a halogen gas (chlorine or bromine gas).
\[
  2AgCl\;(sunlight) \to 2Ag + C{l_2} \\
    \\
 \]
\[2AgBr\;(sunlight) \to 2Ag + B{r_{2}}\]
Thus Silver chloride undergoes decomposition in presence of sunlight.
So, the correct answer is “Option A”.

Additional Information: Now we see how thermal and electrolytic decomposition differ from each other.
Thermal decomposition reaction: The decomposition reaction which is activated by the thermal energy is defined as a thermal decomposition reaction. We can write the chemical equation for the decomposition of Calcium Carbonate as,
$CaC{O_3}\xrightarrow{\Delta }CaO + C{O_2}$
Electrolytic decomposition reaction: The decomposition reaction which is activated by the electrical energy is defined as an electrolytic decomposition reaction. The electrolysis of water is a suitable example of an electrolytic decomposition reaction. We can write the chemical equation for the electrolysis of water as,
$2{H_2}O\xrightarrow{{}}2{H_2} + {O_2}$

Note: We must know that the silver chloride is stored in dark colored containers because silver chloride is photosensitive and it easily undergoes decomposition reaction in the presence of sunlight. Silver chloride is used as a photo chromic lens, which changes its color when exposed to sunlight. It is also used in electroplating and mirror polishing and it is commonly used as cathode in sea water activated batteries.