Question 40
Generally, when metals are treated with mineral acids, hydrogen gas is liberated but when metals (except Mn and Mg) are treated with HNO3, hydrogen is not liberated. Why?
It is because HNO3 is a strong oxidising agent. It oxidises the H2 produced to H2O. For example:
Cu+4HNO3⟶Cu(NO3)2+2NO2+2H2O