Cu does not dissolve in HCl but dissolves in nitric acid. Explain why?

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Solution

Copper dissolves in any oxidising acid like nitric acid. In HCl, chloride ion is reducing and not oxidising. Also, Cu comes under hydrogen which means in a displacement reaction, they will not be able to replace the hydrogen from it.

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Similar questions

Explain the reason why:
(i) HCl gas fumes in moist air.
(ii) Dilute HCl cannot be concentrated beyond 22.2% by distillation.
(iii) Dilute acids are stronger electrolytes as compared to concentrated acid.
(iv) Liquid ammonia has no action on litmus while liquor ammonia has an effect.
(v) Ammonia is not collected over water.
(vi) Pure nitric acid does not dissolve gold or platinum, but aqua regia dissolves them.

Q. Assertion :Copper dissolves in dilute nitric acid but not in dilute