What is Silver nitrate?
[[File:SilverNitrate.JPG|thumb|Silver nitrate]] '''Silver nitrate''' is a [[chemical compound]]. Its chemical formula is AgNO<sub>3</sub>. It contains [[silver]] in its +1 [[oxidation state]] as an [[ion]]. It also has [[nitrate]]. ==Properties== Silver nitrate is a colorless [[crystalline]] solid. It dissolves in water. Most silver compounds do not dissolve in water. It can get dark if light shines on it. It is an [[oxidizing agent]]. Most of the time the silver ion is [[reduction (chemistry)|reduced]], but sometimes the nitrate ion is reduced. It reacts with [[copper]] to make silver crystals and [[copper(II) nitrate]]. It turns into [[silver]], [[nitrogen dioxide]], and [[oxygen]] when it is heated. It is the least expensive silver compound. It reacts with bases to make dark brown [[silver(I) oxide]]. ==Preparation== It is made by dissolving silver in [[nitric acid]]. This produces [[nitrogen dioxide]], so it should be done where the person can get fresh air. ==Uses== It was used to separate silver and gold. Gold does not dissolve in nitric acid. It is used to make other silver compounds. It reacts with [[chloride]], [[bromide]], and [[iodide]]s to make white, cream, and yellow-colored solids. It is also used as an oxidizing agent. It can also be used to kill germs. ==Safety== Silver nitrate is an oxidizing agent and should be kept away from chemicals that can burn. It can burn and stain skin. If too much is eaten, it can turn the skin blue. ==Related pages== *[[Silver bromide]] *[[Silver iodide]] *[[Silver chloride]] *[[Silver(II) fluoride]] [[Category:Silver compounds]] [[Category:Nitrogen compounds]]