Final answer:
The chemical formula for silver cyanide is AgCN, which is formed when silver ions (Ag+) react with cyanide ions (CN-) to form a neutrally charged compound. This is option B) AgCN in the student's question.
Step-by-step explanation:
The chemical formula for silver cyanide is AgCN. This compound is composed of one silver (Ag) ion and one cyanide (CN) anion. The correct answer to the student's question is option B) AgCN.
To determine the formula of a compound like silver cyanide, one must balance the charges of the ions. Silver typically has a +1 charge, while the cyanide ion has a -1 charge. Thus, one Ag+ ion will combine with one CN- ion to form a neutrally charged compound, AgCN.
In the synthesis of silver cyanide, a reaction like the one between a solution of sodium cyanide and silver nitrate can be used:
- NaCN (aq) + AgNO₃ (aq) → NaNO₃ (aq) + AgCN (s)
Here, a white precipitate of AgCN forms, indicating the formation of silver cyanide.