Silver nitrate facts for kids
Silver nitrate is a chemical compound. Its chemical formula is AgNO3. It contains silver as an ion and also has nitrate.
Contents
What is Silver Nitrate?
Silver nitrate is a clear, crystal-like solid. It easily dissolves in water, which is special because most other silver compounds don't. It can turn dark if light touches it.
How Does Silver Nitrate Work?
Silver nitrate is known as an oxidizing agent. This means it can help other chemicals react by taking electrons from them. Usually, the silver part of it changes, but sometimes the nitrate part does.
It reacts with copper metal to create shiny silver crystals and another chemical called copper(II) nitrate. When heated, it breaks down into silver metal, a gas called nitrogen dioxide, and oxygen gas. It's the most affordable silver chemical. When mixed with bases (the opposite of acids), it forms a dark brown substance called silver(I) oxide.
How is Silver Nitrate Made?
You can make silver nitrate by dissolving silver metal in a strong acid called nitric acid. This process creates a gas called nitrogen dioxide, so it needs to be done in a place with good air flow.
What is Silver Nitrate Used For?
Silver nitrate was once used to separate silver from gold, because gold does not dissolve in nitric acid. It is used to make many other silver compounds. For example, it reacts with chemicals like chloride, bromide, and iodide to create white, cream, or yellow-colored solids. It is also used as an oxidizing agent in different chemical reactions. Silver nitrate can also be used to kill germs.
Is Silver Nitrate Safe?
Silver nitrate is an oxidizing agent, so it should be kept away from chemicals that can burn easily. It can burn and stain skin, leaving dark marks. If too much is accidentally eaten, it can turn the skin a blue color.
Related pages
Images for kids
-
Crystals of silver nitrate under a microscope.
-
Silver coordination environment in the crystal structure of silver nitrate
-
Micrograph showing a silver nitrate (brown) marked surgical margin.
-
Skin stained by silver nitrate
See also
In Spanish: Nitrato de plata para niños
