what changes would you expect to see on the ammeter if a small quantity of silver nitrate solution is added to dilute hydrochloric acid and why? please help, this exact question may come in a test tomorrow and i have no idea what to do. Thank you so much.

Question

anonymous · Answer

@aaronq

wolfe8 · Answer

Well, what do you think will happen? There will be a chemical reaction called double displacement where Ag+ will be with Cl- and H+ with (NO3)- Here, I'm not sure as of now if this means that there will electron flow or not.

wolfe8 · Answer

Sorry I tried looking but found nothing so far. Good luck on the test!

jfraser · Answer

a precipitate of silver chloride should form, which will decrease the number of free ions in the solution. What should happen to the current then?

anonymous · Answer

the current will decrease? the ammeter reading will decrease?

anonymous · Answer

@wolfe8 the teacher cancelled the test! now i'm sure i can get it right.

wolfe8 · Answer

Since current/electron flow depends on the availability of free moving ions, then I would say it decrease.

anonymous · Answer

oh ok thank you!

wolfe8 · Answer

You're welcome :)