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Question

(a) Concentrated nitric acid renders iron passive. Give reason.
(b) How is passivity removed?


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Solution

(a) Concentrated nitric acid HNO3 renders iron passive because:

  • Conc nitric acid, as a strong oxidizer, converts the metal to ferric oxide, which forms an insoluble protective layer on it.
  • The reaction comes to a halt when the metal loses contact with the acid.
  • A chemically active metal becomes non-reactive and inactive.

(b) Passivity can be removed by:

  • When iron reacts with nitric acid, an extremely thin coating of insoluble metallic oxide forms, effectively stopping the reaction.
  • By wiping the surface layer with sand paper or treating with a strong reducing chemical, passivity can be eliminated.

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