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It is true that oxygen does not seem to react with silver whereas
sulfur does. However confusing it might seem, it is also the case
that when sulfur reacts with silver that the reaction is technically
understood to be an oxidation of silver by sulfur? A substance is
said to be oxidized or reduced depending upon whether the substance
gains or loses electrons in the reaction. I am relatively certain
that this is correct. Does this fact clarify the matters under
discussion? Right, I don't think so either. I suppose It is possible
that, for practical purposes,one could receive too much information.
This understanding of what oxidation is has no practical impact on
the position that it is sulfur rather than oxygen which tarnishes
I couldn't resist the opportunity to muddy the water a bit.
Chemistry is fun.