Final answer:
Both AgCl and AgI dissolve in NH₃ (ammonia) due to the formation of a diammine silver(I) complex, Ag(NH3)2+, increasing the solubility of the salts in solution.
Step-by-step explanation:
Both AgCl and AgI do indeed dissolve in NH₃ (ammonia). This is because, when either AgCl or AgI is present in an ammonia solution, silver ions (Ag+) react with ammonia to form a diammine silver(I) complex, Ag(NH3)2+. For AgCl, the reaction is as follows:
AgCl(s) = Ag+ (aq) + Cl⁻ (aq)
But on adding NH3:
Ag+ (aq) + 2NH3(aq) ⇒ Ag(NH3)2 + (aq)
Similarly, AgI will also dissolve in NH3 because the insoluble AgI can also form this complex with ammonia, and the same complex ion is formed. The dissolution of these silver halides in ammonia is due to the formation of a stable complex ion which increases the solubility of the salts in solution.