stability of Ag+ and Cu+ in water

[megarushan]

why is that Ag+ is more stable than Cu+ in water both have d^‹10 configuration..

[Enthalpy]

Size? Bigger ions are easier to dissolve as the electrostatic energy is smaller. Or viewed a different way, more water molecules can surround a bigger ion, screening its charge better.

[John Cuthber]

The issue isn't so much with the singly + charged ions as with the products.

The free metals are fine, but making Ag++ is not easy.

So 2 Cu+ --> Cu (0) + Cu++ is plausible

But making Ag++ isn't

[Enthalpy]

Thanks!

[megarushan]

thanks