Question

Does non metal react with dilute nitric acid?

Answer 1

The solution is as follows:

Non-metals are oxidised by the action of nitric acid.

C is oxidised to carbon dioxide, sulphur is oxidised to sulphur dioxide and phosphorous is oxidised to phosphoric acid.

The reaction is as follows:

C(s) + HNO₃ (aq) $\to$ CO₂ + NO₂ + H₂O