The above chemical equation describes the reaction between Nitric acid (HNO3) and Copper (Cu) to produce Copper (II) Nitrate (Cu(NO3)2), water (H2O), and Nitric Oxide (NO).
- Conditions of the reaction:
This reaction occurs when concentrated Nitric acid reacts with the metal Copper.
- Reaction process:
When concentrated nitric acid reacts with copper, nitric acid is reduced to nitric oxide gas while copper is oxidized to copper (II) nitrate. Copper participates in this reaction in atomic form and transforms into copper (II) ion in the product.
- Phenomena that occur:
When concentrated nitric acid reacts with copper, we can observe the phenomenon of brown nitric oxide gas being emitted. Copper’s color changes from red to blue, indicating the formation of copper (II) nitrate.