Reaction of AgBr with Water

Silver bromide (AgBr) is a pale yellow crystalline solid. It is known for its very low solubility in water and plays an important role in photographic materials due to its light sensitivity.

Solubility Behavior in Water

When AgBr is added to water, it does not dissolve appreciably. It remains mostly as a solid precipitate. This is due to its extremely low solubility product (K_sp), which means the equilibrium lies heavily in favor of the undissolved solid.

The dissolution is very minimal, and the amount of Ag⁺ and Br⁻ ions that actually enter solution is negligible under normal conditions.

Photochemical Behavior

Although AgBr does not react with water chemically, it does decompose under light. This photochemical reaction is used in photographic films.

This reaction occurs when AgBr is exposed to light, releasing metallic silver (Ag), which forms the image on photographic film.

Conclusion

In water, silver bromide remains largely insoluble and does not undergo any significant chemical reaction. However, it is reactive to light, which makes it valuable in the field of photography and imaging.