Silver emulsion photographic film is now largely obsolete for amateur photography, but it is still used in a variety of medical and technical applications. You are working on the improvement of a particularly sensitive emulsion and need to investigate the solubility of silver chloride in various media. Calculate the molar solubility of silver chloride in 0.10 m NH₃(aq).

ANTICIPATE Because silver ions form a complex with ammonia, you should expect the solubility of silver chloride to be greater in the ammonia solution than in water.

What should you assume? Assume that the reaction of ammonia with water does not significantly affect this equilibrium.

PLAN Because the solubility equilibrium, reaction C, is the sum of the equations for the solubility and complex formation equilibria, the equilibrium constant for the dissolution of AgCl in aqueous ammonia is the product of the equilibrium constants for reactions A and B (Topic 5H). Set up an equilibrium table for reaction C and solve for the equilibrium concentrations.