Given the reaction: cu (s) + 4hno3 (aq) → cu (no3) 2 (aq) + 2no3 (g) + 2h2o (l) as the reaction occurs, what happens to copper?

Question

Chemistry

Addison Richard

24 February, 20:44

Given the reaction: cu (s) + 4hno3 (aq) → cu (no3) 2 (aq) + 2no3 (g) + 2h2o (l) as the reaction occurs, what happens to copper?

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Answers (1)

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Neil · Answer 1

From the reaction between Cu and HNO₃, the formed gas is NO₂ instead of NO₃. Hence the correct balanced equation would be,

Cu (s) + 4HNO₃ (aq) → Cu (NO₃) ₂ (aq) + 2NO₂ (g) + 2H₂O (l)

Here, Cu goes to Cu (NO₃) ₂ by changing its oxidation number from 0 to + 2 while NO₃⁻ goes to NO₂ by reducing its oxidation state from + 5 to + 4. Hence Cu is oxidized by HNO₃ in the reaction.