This Is a True Story; Can You Explain What Happened $$E _ { \text {red } } ^ { \circ }$$

question 94

Multiple Choice

This is a true story; can you explain what happened? Prior to a really important dinner party, the hostess discovered that her silverware was very tarnished. She needed a quick fix. She remembered reading that the tarnish (Ag₂S) would be removed if you immersed the silverware in a hot solution of baking soda (NaHCO₃) in a pan lined with aluminum foil. So she did, and so it was, but she noticed a bit of a rotten egg smell (H₂S) being produced. Which one of the following statements cannot represent what might have been happening? MetalMetal ion
$$E _ { \text {red } } ^ { \circ }$$
silver/silver(I) $\quad 0.799$
aluminum/aluminum(III) $\quad - 1.677$

• A) Al \(\rightarrow\) Al³⁺ + 3e^-
• B) Ag⁺ + e^- \(\rightarrow\) Ag
• C) 2HCO₃^- +S^2- \(\rightarrow\)H₂S + 2CO₃^2-
• D) 3Ag₂S + 2Al +3H₂O \(\rightarrow\) 6Ag + Al₂O₃ +3H₂S
• E) 2HCO₃^- +Ag₂S\(\rightarrow\)H₂S + 2CO₃^2- + 2Ag

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Definitions:

Steroids

Organic compounds with a characteristic molecular structure containing four rings of carbon atoms; includes some hormones and vitamins.

Organic Compounds

Chemical compounds containing carbon atoms bonded to hydrogen atoms, often along with other elements, which are the basis of all life on Earth.

Miller and Urey

Scientists known for their experiment simulating early Earth conditions, demonstrating the possible origins of organic compounds.

Electrode

A conductor through which electricity enters or leaves an object, substance, or region, used especially in energy storage and transfer.