Question

Nitric acid is yellow in colour when:

• A. freshly prepared
• B. dissolved oxides of nitrogen are present
• C. water is dissolved
• D. None of the above

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

dissolved oxides of nitrogen are present

Red fuming nitric acid contains substantial quantities of dissolved nitrogen dioxide leaving the solution with a reddish brown color. It acquires yellow color due to decomposition into oxides of nitrogen and water.