Question

(a) Dilute nitric acid is generally considered a typical acid except for its reaction with metals. In what way is dilute nitric acid different from other acids when it reacts with metals?
(b) Write the equation for the reaction of dilute nitric acid with copper. [4 MARKS]

Answer 1

Each Part: 2 Marks

(a) When dilute nitric acid reacts with metals, in addition to hydrogen (only with Mg and Mn), $N_{2}O,NO,N{O}_{2}andN{H}_3$ are produced. This is because nitric acid is not only an acid but also an oxidising agent.

(b) $\underset{Copper}{3Cu}+\underset{Nitricacid\left(Dilute\right)}{8HN{O}_3}\to \underset{Coppernitrate}{3Cu(N{O}_3{)}_2}+\underset{Nitricoxide}{2NO}+4H_{2}O$