Copper Oxidation by Nitric Acid

3Cu + 8HNO3(dilute) → 3Cu(NO3)2 + 2NO + 4H2O

نظرة عامة

Dilute nitric acid oxidizes copper to Cu²⁺ while the nitrate ion is reduced to nitric oxide (NO) gas. Unlike HCl or H₂SO₄(dilute), nitric acid can dissolve copper because the nitrate ion acts as the oxidizing agent. The solution turns blue from Cu(NO₃)₂ and the NO gas oxidizes in air to brown NO₂.

المشاركون

الدور المادة المعامل الحالة
متفاعل Copper Cu 3 (s)
متفاعل Nitric Acid HNO₃ 8 (aq)
منتج Water H₂O 4 (l)

مثال من الحياة اليومية

Chemistry students observe this reaction as a dramatic demonstration where copper dissolves in HNO₃ with brown fumes forming above the solution.

الأهمية الصناعية

Copper dissolution in nitric acid is used in analytical chemistry, in copper etching for printed circuit board manufacturing, and in metal refining.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the equation for Copper Oxidation by Nitric Acid?
The balanced equation is: 3Cu + 8HNO₃(dilute) → 3Cu(NO₃)₂ + 2NO + 4H₂O.
What type of reaction is Copper Oxidation by Nitric Acid?
Copper Oxidation by Nitric Acid is a redox reaction.
Is Copper Oxidation by Nitric Acid exothermic or endothermic?
Copper Oxidation by Nitric Acid is exothermic (releases energy). The enthalpy change (ΔH) is -135.0 kJ/mol.