The equation 4HNO3 + CuO -> 2NO2 + 2H2O + Cu(NO3)2

  1. The chemical equation above describes the reaction process between nitric acid (HNO3) and copper(II) oxide (CuO) to create nitrogen dioxide (NO2), water (H2O), and copper(II) nitrate (Cu(NO3)2). This equation has been balanced, meaning the number of atoms of each element in the reactants and products are equal.

  2. Reaction conditions: This reaction typically occurs at room temperature.

  3. Reaction process: When nitric acid and copper(II) oxide come into contact with each other, they react to form nitrogen dioxide, water, and copper(II) nitrate. This process is also known as a redox reaction, as in this process, copper transitions from a +2 oxidation state (in CuO) to a +2 oxidation state (in Cu(NO3)2), and nitrogen transitions from a +5 oxidation state (in HNO3) to a +4 oxidation state (in NO2).

  4. Observed phenomena: When the reaction occurs, you will notice a change in color and the release of gas. The black copper(II) oxide will turn into blue copper nitrate. Nitrogen dioxide will be released as a reddish-orange gas.

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