The chemical used as a 'fixer' in photography isa)Sodium sulphateb)So...
Popular salts are sodium thiosulfate—commonly called hypo—and ammonium thiosulfate—commonly used in modern rapid fixer formulae. Fixation involves these chemical reactions (X = halide, typically Br−): AgX + 2 S2O32− → [Ag(S2O3)2]3− + X.
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The chemical used as a 'fixer' in photography isa)Sodium sulphateb)So...
The fixer in photography: Sodium thiosulphate (option B)
Fixing is an essential step in the process of developing photographic films. It is responsible for removing any unexposed silver halide crystals from the film, which if left undeveloped, can cause the image to fade or discolor over time. The fixer is a chemical solution that helps to stabilize the image and make it permanent.
Explanation:
The chemical used as a fixer in photography is sodium thiosulphate, also known as sodium hyposulphite or hypo. It is the most commonly used fixer due to its effectiveness and low cost. Here's why sodium thiosulphate is the correct answer:
Sodium thiosulphate (Na2S2O3)
- Sodium thiosulphate is a white crystalline compound that is readily soluble in water.
- It is a strong reducing agent and has the ability to dissolve silver halide crystals, which are formed during the development process.
- When sodium thiosulphate is added to the photographic film, it reacts with the unexposed silver halide crystals, converting them into soluble silver thiosulphate complex ions.
- These soluble ions are then washed away during the fixing process, leaving behind only the developed silver image on the film.
- Sodium thiosulphate is also known for its odorless and non-toxic nature, making it safe to use in photography.
Other options:
- Sodium sulphate (option A): Although sodium sulphate is a common compound used in various industries, it is not used as a fixer in photography. It does not have the ability to dissolve silver halide crystals.
- Ammonium persulphate (option C): Ammonium persulphate is a strong oxidizing agent and is commonly used as a chemical initiator in polymerization reactions. It is not used as a fixer in photography.
- Borax (option D): Borax, also known as sodium borate, is a compound commonly used as a cleaning agent and laundry booster. It is not used as a fixer in photography.
In conclusion, sodium thiosulphate is the correct chemical used as a fixer in photography. It has the ability to dissolve unexposed silver halide crystals, stabilizing the image and making it permanent.