No, silver does not react with oxygen under normal conditions.
According to the provided reference, silver metal does not react with oxygen directly. Instead, silver's tarnishing is primarily due to its reaction with hydrogen sulfide (H2S) gas present in the air. This reaction produces a thin, black layer of silver sulfide (Ag2S) on the surface of the silver.
Why Does Silver Tarnish?
While oxygen plays a role in the overall environmental conditions that contribute to tarnishing, it's the hydrogen sulfide that directly reacts with the silver.
- Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S): This gas is a common air pollutant, especially in industrial areas.
- Silver Sulfide (Ag2S): The black tarnish we see is a layer of silver sulfide.
How to Prevent Silver Tarnishing
Since silver reacts with hydrogen sulfide, preventing exposure to this gas can help reduce tarnishing. Here are some solutions:
- Storage: Store silver items in airtight containers or bags.
- Tarnish-Resistant Strips: Place tarnish-resistant strips or cloths that absorb sulfur compounds near your silver.
- Cleaning: Regularly clean silver with specialized silver cleaners to remove any tarnish that forms.
Summary
| Element | Reaction with Silver | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Oxygen | No direct reaction | Indirectly contributes to tarnishing |
| Hydrogen Sulfide | Direct reaction | Formation of silver sulfide (tarnish) |
