The above chemical equation represents a reaction between nitric acid (HNO3) and sulfurous acid (H2SO3) to form sulfuric acid (H2SO4), nitric oxide (NO), and water (H2O).
- Reaction Conditions
For the reaction to occur, nitric acid and sulfurous acid need to be mixed together at suitable temperature and pressure. This is a redox reaction as both HNO3 and H2SO3 participate in the electron transfer process.
- Reaction Process
In this reaction, nitric acid (HNO3) and sulfurous acid (H2SO3) react with each other to form sulfuric acid (H2SO4), nitric oxide (NO) and water (H2O).
This reaction is a redox reaction, in which HNO3 is reduced (decreased oxidation number) and H2SO3 is oxidized (increased oxidation number).
- Observable Phenomena
During the reaction process, changes in color and temperature can be observed. Specifically, the color of the mixture will change from colorless (the color of HNO3 and H2SO3) to brown (the color of NO). Additionally, this reaction also releases heat, hence the temperature of the mixture will increase.