Silver (Ag)
Silver is derived from the latin word Argentum which means white.
Important ores of Ag are:
[Link] (Silver glance) Ag2S [Link] silver (AgCl) c. Ruby silver (Ag2Sb S3)
Extraction of silver from its sulphide ore argentite by cyanide process/
hydrometallurgy.
The various steps involved in extraction are described below.
1. Crushing and pulverization:
The Big lumps of ore are broken to smaller pieces by the jaw crusher and then changed to a fine powder
using ball mill.
2. Concentration:
The powdered ore is concentrated by Froth floatation method. In this method, the powdered ore is
mixed with water along with pine oil in a large tank and agitated by blowing air. The ore particles come
on the surface along with froth while the impurities are settled down.
3. Treatment with sodium cyanide (leaching):
Concentrated ore is mixed with excess aq. Solution of NaCN and continuously agitated by a current of
air to form a soluble complex sodium argentocyanide.
Ag2S + 2NaCN ⇋ Na2S + 2AgCN
AgCN + NaCN ⇋ Na [Ag (CN)2] Sodium argentocyanide.
The reaction is reversible so, Na2S must be removed immediately by oxidising it to sulphate or sodium
thiosulphate.
Na2S + H2O + O2 → Na2S2O3 + NaOH
Na2S2O3 + NaOH + O2 → Na2SO4 + H2O
4. Precipitation of Ag:
The resulting solution is filtered to remove insoluble impurities. Then the filtrate containing sodium
argentocyanide is treated with more electropositive metal Zn to precipitate Ag.
Na [Ag (CN)2] + Zn → Ag + Na2 [Zn (CN)4]
The Ag thus obtained is called spongy silver.
5. Purification of Ag:
Purification is done by electrolysis method in which impure Ag is made anode and pure copper is made
cathode in an electrolytic cell containing acidified silver nitrate solution. On passing current pure Ag is
deposited at cathode and the impurities are collected at anode as anode mud.
Uses of Ag: Self
Silver nitrate (AgNO3)
It is also known as lunar caustic.
Preparation: It is prepared by the action of Ag on moderately conc. Nitric acid followed by the
evaporation of resulting solution.
3Ag + 4HNO3 → 3AgNO3 + 2H2O + NO
Properties:
1. White crystalline solid soluble in water.
2. Action of heat: When AgNO3 is heated, at low temperature it partially decomposes to give AgNO2 and
O2. On further heating strongly it gives Ag and NO2.
AgNO3 → AgNO2 + O2 (At low temp.)
AgNO2 → Ag + NO2 (At high temp.)
Uses
1. Used for silvering the mirror.
2. Used as lab reagent for halide test.
3. Used for staining fingers of voter who have cast their votes.
Q. Silver nitrate produces permanent black stain on the skin. Why?
When AgNO3 comes in contact with skin, nail etc. in presence of light, organic matters present in the
skin reduces AgNO3 and a permanent black stain is produced on the skin.
2AgNO3 light /Organicmatter → 2Ag + 2NO2 + O2
This property of AgNO3 is used for staining fingers of voters who have cast their votes.
Q. Write down the action of heat on silver nitrate.
Silver Chloride (AgCl)
Preparation
It is prepared by treating silver nitrate solution with sodium chloride solution.
AgNO3 (aq.) + NaCl (aq.) → AgCl↓+ NaNO3 (aq.)
Properties
1. White solid soluble in water.
2. Action with NH4OH.
3. Action of light.
Use: Used in photography.
The End