Silver plating via electrolysis at the cathode

Steps:

• Identify the statue as the cathode, where metal deposition occurs during plating.
• Recall that reduction at the cathode deposits silver: Ag⁺ + e⁻ → Ag.
• Select an electrolyte providing Ag⁺ ions; AgNO₃(aq) dissociates to Ag⁺ and NO₃⁻.
• Confirm AgCl(aq) is unsuitable as it forms insoluble AgCl, limiting free Ag⁺.

Why B is correct:

• AgNO₃(aq) supplies Ag⁺ ions that reduce at the cathode, depositing silver per the reduction half-reaction.

Why the others are wrong:

• A: AgCl(aq) at cathode fails to provide sufficient Ag⁺ for effective plating.
• C: Anode involves oxidation, not reduction for plating the statue.
• D: Anode AgNO₃(aq) does not deposit silver; plating occurs at cathode.

Final answer: B