Copper Oxidation by Nitric Acid

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

Tổng quan

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.

Người tham gia

Vai trò Chất Hệ số Trạng thái
Chất phản ứng Copper Cu 3 (s)
Chất phản ứng Nitric Acid HNO₃ 8 (aq)
Sản phẩm Water H₂O 4 (l)

Ví dụ thực tế

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

Tầm quan trọng công nghiệp

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.