MCQ Detailed View

Silver nitrate (AgNO₃) is an important inorganic compound with significant applications in both photography and medicine. It is a colorless crystalline solid, highly soluble in water, and releases silver ions that make it chemically active.

In photography, silver nitrate is a key substance because of its light-sensitive nature. When exposed to light, silver nitrate undergoes decomposition, releasing metallic silver. This reaction was the foundation of traditional black-and-white photographic films and papers. Silver nitrate’s sensitivity to light allowed images to be captured and developed, making it one of the most important chemicals in the history of imaging science. Even though digital photography has now largely replaced film, the role of silver nitrate in photography remains an essential concept in chemistry and photographic history.

In medicine, silver nitrate is valued for its antiseptic and cauterizing properties. Silver ions released from AgNO₃ can kill bacteria by disrupting their cell membranes and interfering with essential enzymes. Because of this property, silver nitrate has been used to prevent infection in wounds and burns. It has also been applied in dilute solutions for treating ulcers and in the past was used in newborn eye care to prevent bacterial infections. Additionally, silver nitrate sticks are used in medical practice to cauterize tissue and stop minor bleeding.

Other uses of silver nitrate, such as in dyeing or pigment making, are less significant compared to its applications in photography and medicine. Its most recognized and impactful roles come from these two areas, where its unique chemical behavior is directly applied to human benefit.

Thus, the main and correct use of silver nitrate is in photography and medicine, making option 2 the correct answer.