[NewCandle] Silver oxide formation

[Keith Nagel]

Hi All,

Perhaps I can illustrate (some) of Horace's point about 
corrosion with this experiment. Here's the link.

http://www.kpnconsulting.com/Research16.htm

The top of the silver is acting as an anode, collecting oxygen
and forming silver oxide/hydroxide. Consequently the bottom
of the tube is acting like a cathode with the generation
of H2 gas. After a bit of this action the silver begins to
delaminate from the canode entirely. I'll update the
page as this occurs over the next few days. 

Question: why the large scale gradient across the canode?
Is dissolved oxygen from the air driving the reaction?

Bigger question: If it breathes, grows hair,
and farts, is it alive yet?

K.