To remove the tarnish (Ag2S) on a silver spoon the following steps are carried out. the spoon is placed in a large pan filled with water so the spoon was totally immersed. A few tablespoonfuls of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate), which readily dissolves. Is added. Some aluminum foil is placed at the bottom of the pan in contact with the spoon and then heated the solution to about 80° After a few minutes, the spoon is removed and rinsed with cold water. The tarnish is gone and the spoon regains its original shiny appearance. Describe with equations the electrochemical basis for the procedure. Adding NaCl instead of NaHCO3 would also work because both compounds are strong electrolytes. What is the added advantage of using NaHCO3? (Hint: Consider the pH of the solution.) What is the purpose of heating the solution? Some commercial tarnish removers containing a fluid (or paste) that is a dilute HCl solution. Rubbing the spoon with the fluid will also remove the tarnish. Name two disadvantages of using this procedure compared to the one described here.

Appl Of Ms Excel In Analytical Chemistry
2nd Edition
ISBN:9781285686691
Author:Crouch
Publisher:Crouch
Chapter3: Statistical Tests With Excel
Section: Chapter Questions
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To remove the tarnish (Ag2S) on a silver spoon the following steps are carried out.

  1. the spoon is placed in a large pan filled with water so the spoon was totally immersed.
  2. A few tablespoonfuls of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate), which readily dissolves. Is added.
  3. Some aluminum foil is placed at the bottom of the pan in contact with the spoon and then heated the solution to about 80°
  4. After a few minutes, the spoon is removed and rinsed with cold water. The tarnish is gone and the spoon regains its original shiny appearance.
  • Describe with equations the electrochemical basis for the procedure.
  • Adding NaCl instead of NaHCO3 would also work because both compounds are
    strong electrolytes. What is the added advantage of using NaHCO3? (Hint: Consider the pH of the solution.)
  • What is the purpose of heating the solution?
  • Some commercial tarnish removers containing a fluid (or paste) that is a dilute HCl solution. Rubbing the spoon with the fluid will also remove the tarnish. Name two disadvantages of using this procedure compared to the one described here.
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To remove the tarnish (Ag2S) on a silver spoon commercial tarnish removers can be used instead of the reaction with aluminium foil in a pan with an electrolyte.

Some commercial tarnish removers containing a fluid (or paste) that is a dilute HCl solution. Rubbing the spoon with the fluid will also remove the tarnish. Name two disadvantages of using this commercial removers compared to the reaction with aluminium..

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