With which substance does silver react and turn black?

Correct option is D

The correct answer is (d) Sulphur.

Silver reacts with sulphur or sulphur compounds present in the air, forming silver sulphide (Ag₂S), which appears black. This process is called tarnishing.

Information Booster

• Silver tarnishing is a chemical reaction caused by exposure to hydrogen sulphide (H₂S) in the atmosphere.
• The black layer is silver sulphide (Ag₂S), which forms when silver reacts with sulphur compounds found in polluted air, eggs, onions, and rubber.
• The tarnish can be removed using electrochemical cleaning or polishing with baking soda and aluminum foil.
• Sterling silver (92.5% silver, 7.5% copper) tarnishes faster due to the presence of copper.

Additional Knowledge

• Carbon: Silver does not react with carbon under normal conditions.
• Zinc: Silver does not chemically react with zinc, but they can form alloys.
• Magnesium: Silver does not react significantly with magnesium, though both are used in some electrical applications.