Question

Which metal(s) out of the following reacts with very dilute nitric acid to produce nitric acid?

• A. Aluminium ($Al$)
• B. Manganese ($Mn$)
• C. Magnesium ($Mg$)
• D. Sodium ($Na$)

Answer 1

Answer: (B), (C)

The correct options are
B

Manganese ($Mn$)

C

Magnesium ($Mg$)

Magnesium ($Mg$) and manganese ($Mn$) are the only metals that react with very dilute nitric acid ( 1% nitric acid) to liberate hydrogen gas. With other metals, nitric acid is not used even in its dilute form because it is a strong oxidizing agent and oxygen formed due to decomposition oxidizes the hydrogen to give water, thus defeating the purpose of the reaction.