Which one of the following compounds is used in ‘black and white’ photography ?

Silver bromide (AgBr) is the primary compound used in black and white photography due to its high sensitivity to light. When exposed to light, silver bromide undergoes a decomposition reaction, breaking down into silver metal and bromine [1]. This light-induced chemical change is fundamental to capturing images on photographic film and paper [1][2]. While silver chloride (AgCl) also exhibits similar light-sensitive properties and turns grey in sunlight, silver bromide is more commonly utilized in photographic emulsions because of its superior sensitivity range [1][2]. These silver halides are essential components in the manufacture of photographic chemicals and films [3]. The process relies on the absorption of energy (light) to trigger the endothermic decomposition that forms the latent image [1]. Other silver salts like silver fluoride (AgF) or silver sulfate (Ag2SO4) do not possess the specific light-sensitive characteristics required for traditional black and white photographic processes.

Sources

1. [1] Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 1: Chemical Reactions and Equations > Activity 1.8 > p. 10
2. [2] Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 1: Chemical Reactions and Equations > Activity 1.8 > p. 9
3. [3] Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 7: Resources > Table 7.11 > p. 21