Copper Oxidation by Nitric Acid

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

Visão geral

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.

Participantes

Papel Substância Coeficiente Estado
Reagente Copper Cu 3 (s)
Reagente Nitric Acid HNO₃ 8 (aq)
Produto Water H₂O 4 (l)

Exemplo do cotidiano

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

Importância industrial

A dissolução do cobre em ácido nítrico é utilizada em química analítica, na gravação de cobre para o fabrico de placas de circuito impresso e na refinação de metais.

Propriedades

Tipo
Redox
Reversível
Não
Energia
Exotérmico
ΔH
-135,0 kJ/mol

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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.