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Frequently Asked Question
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What happens when copper reacts with dilute and concentrated nitric acids easy and short
Accepted Answer
Copper reacts differently with dilute and concentrated nitric acid due to the concentration of the acid and its oxidizing ability.
Dilute Nitric Acid:
Copper reacts with dilute nitric acid to form copper(II) nitrate, nitric oxide (NO) gas, and water.
The reaction is slow, and the nitric oxide gas is colorless.
Concentrated Nitric Acid:
Copper reacts with concentrated nitric acid to form copper(II) nitrate, nitrogen dioxide (NO2) gas, and water.
The reaction is vigorous, and the nitrogen dioxide gas is brown.
Chemical Equations:
Dilute HNO3: Cu + 4HNO3 → Cu(NO3)2 + 2NO2 + 2H2O
Concentrated HNO3: Cu + 4HNO3 → Cu(NO3)2 + 2NO2 + 2H2O
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