Silver nitrate (AgNO3) is a chemical compound with a variety of applications, ranging from photography to medicine. It is a colorless, crystalline solid that is highly soluble in water, making it a convenient source of silver ions in various chemical reactions. Silver nitrate is known for its antiseptic properties and has been used for wound care and disinfection.

In photography, silver nitrate plays a significant role in the production of black-and-white photographs. It is sensitive to light and, when exposed to light, undergoes a chemical reaction that forms silver particles, creating the photographic image. Silver nitrate is also used in certain laboratory tests and analytical chemistry procedures.

Medically, silver nitrate is employed as a cauterizing agent to remove unwanted tissue, such as warts and granulation tissue. It has been used historically to prevent eye infections in newborns by applying a dilute solution to the eyes shortly after birth. However, its use in this context has declined in favor of other treatments.