When using a solubility test with nitric acid to identify silver ions in a sample, what would you expect to observe?

• A. A white precipitate forms, indicating the presence of silver.
• B. A brown gas is released, confirming silver ions.
• C. The silver compound dissolves, forming a colorless solution.
• D. No visible change occurs, suggesting no reaction.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the chemistry behind the solubility test with nitric acid (HNO\_3) for silver ions (Ag\^+). Silver ions typically form a white precipitate when combined with chloride ions, such as silver chloride (AgCl).
2. Recall that silver chloride (AgCl) is insoluble in water but soluble in dilute nitric acid due to the formation of complex ions or dissolution of the precipitate.
3. When nitric acid is added to a sample containing silver chloride, the white precipitate dissolves, resulting in a clear, colorless solution. This indicates the presence of silver ions.
4. If no white precipitate forms initially, or if the precipitate does not dissolve upon adding nitric acid, it suggests the absence of silver ions or a different compound.
5. Therefore, the key observation in this test is the dissolution of the white precipitate in nitric acid, confirming the presence of silver ions by the formation of a colorless solution.