Copper Oxidation by Nitric Acid
3Cu + 8HNO3(dilute) → 3Cu(NO3)2 + 2NO + 4H2O
Aperçu
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.
Participants
| Rôle | Substance | Coefficient | État |
|---|---|---|---|
| Réactif | Copper Cu | 3 | (s) |
| Réactif | Nitric Acid HNO₃ | 8 | (aq) |
| Produit | Water H₂O | 4 | (l) |
Exemple du quotidien
Chemistry students observe this reaction as a dramatic demonstration where copper dissolves in HNO₃ with brown fumes forming above the solution.
Importance industrielle
Copper dissolution in nitric acid is used in analytical chemistry, in copper etching for printed circuit board manufacturing, and in metal refining.
Propriétés
- Type
- Redox
- Réversible
- Non
- Énergie
- Exothermique
- ΔH
- -135,0 kJ/mol
Réactions associées
Iron(II) to Iron(III) Oxidation by Oxygen
Bleaching with Sodium Hypochlorite
Copper Reduction of Silver Ion
Aqua Regia Dissolving Gold
Cerium(IV) Reduction by Iron(II)
Hypochlorite Oxidation of Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen Peroxide as Oxidizing Agent (Acidic)
Hydrogen Peroxide Disproportionation
Iodine and Sodium Thiosulfate Titration
Displacement of Hydrogen from Acid by Magnesium
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.