Chemistry help. Will you help me please?

Question

Why does sulphur powder react slowly with silver metal, but sulphide ions react quickly to form a precipitate with silver ions? Does it have to do with the states (solids vs. ions) or surface area?

Answer 1

Ag+ is already in an oxidized state. S= is already in a reduced state. So they combine at once to form Ag2S. You have to heat Ag powder with S to get an oxidation-reaction to go.