Which of the following is the correct dissociation equation for solid silver nitrate in aqueous solution?
AgNO3(s) → Ag+(aq) + NO3(aq)
AgNO3(s) → Ag(s) + NO(g) + O2(g)
AgNO3(s) → Ag(s) + NO3(g)
AgNO3(s) → AgN+(aq) + 03-(aq)
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
Correct Answer:
The correct dissociation equation for solid silver nitrate in an aqueous solution is:
AgNO₃(s) → Ag⁺(aq) + NO₃⁻(aq)
Explanation:
Understanding Dissociation in Aqueous Solution
When ionic compounds dissolve in water, they break apart into their respective ions through a process called dissociation. This occurs because water molecules surround and separate the ions due to their polar nature.
Silver Nitrate Dissociation
Silver nitrate (AgNO₃) is a soluble ionic compound, meaning it dissolves readily in water. It consists of Ag⁺ (silver ion) and NO₃⁻ (nitrate ion) held together by ionic bonds. When placed in water, AgNO₃(s) dissociates into Ag⁺(aq) and NO₃⁻(aq) completely.
This reaction follows the general rule for dissolving ionic compounds:
AB(s) → A⁺(aq) + B⁻(aq)
For silver nitrate:
AgNO₃(s) → Ag⁺(aq) + NO₃⁻(aq)
Why Are the Other Options Incorrect?
- AgNO₃(s) → Ag(s) + NO(g) + O₂(g)
- This reaction does not represent the dissociation of AgNO₃ in water; instead, it suggests a decomposition reaction, which would require heating, not dissolution.
- AgNO₃(s) → Ag(s) + NO₃(g)
- This equation implies that nitrate remains as a gas, which is incorrect because nitrate (NO₃⁻) is a stable polyatomic ion in solution, not a gaseous molecule.
- AgNO₃(s) → AgN⁺(aq) + O₃⁻(aq)
- This formula does not exist. Silver nitrate dissociates into Ag⁺ and NO₃⁻, not AgN⁺ and O₃⁻, as O₃⁻ is not a valid ion in this context.
Thus, the correct equation is:
AgNO₃(s) → Ag⁺(aq) + NO₃⁻(aq).
Now, I’ll generate an image to illustrate this dissociation process.
Here is the generated image illustrating the dissociation of silver nitrate (AgNO₃) in water. It visually represents how AgNO₃ dissolves into Ag⁺ and NO₃⁻ ions in solution. Let me know if you need any modifications!
