The reaction you're describing is the dissolution of silver metal (Ag) in nitric acid (HNO₃). It's a redox reaction where silver is oxidized to silver ions (Ag⁺) and nitric acid is reduced to nitrogen dioxide (NO₂).

Here's the balanced chemical equation:

3Ag(s) + 4HNO₃(aq) → 3AgNO₃(aq) + 2H₂O(l) + 2NO₂(g)

Here's a breakdown of the reaction:

* Ag(s): Solid silver metal.

* HNO₃(aq): Nitric acid solution.

* AgNO₃(aq): Silver nitrate solution.

* H₂O(l): Liquid water.

* NO₂(g): Gaseous nitrogen dioxide, which is a brown-red gas.

Explanation:

1. Oxidation of Silver: Silver metal loses electrons and becomes oxidized to silver ions (Ag⁺).

2. Reduction of Nitric Acid: Nitric acid acts as the oxidizing agent, accepting electrons and being reduced to nitrogen dioxide (NO₂).

3. Formation of Silver Nitrate: The silver ions (Ag⁺) react with nitrate ions (NO₃⁻) from nitric acid to form silver nitrate (AgNO₃), which dissolves in water.

4. Production of Water: Hydrogen ions (H⁺) from nitric acid react with hydroxide ions (OH⁻) formed during the reaction to produce water (H₂O).

Key points:

* The reaction is exothermic and releases heat.

* Nitrogen dioxide gas is released as a byproduct, giving off a brown-red color.

* The silver nitrate solution will be colorless.

Let me know if you have any other questions!