The equation Fe + 6HNO3 -> 2Fe(NO3)3 + 6NO2 + 6H2O

  1. Details of the equation:

    • The left side of the equation (reactants) is iron (Fe) and nitric acid (HNO3).
    • The right side of the equation (products) is iron (III) nitrate (Fe(NO3)3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and water (H2O).
    • The number of moles of reactants and products are represented by the coefficients in the equation: 1 mol of Fe reacts with 6 mol of HNO3 to produce 2 mol of Fe(NO3)3, 6 mol of NO2 and 6 mol of H2O.

  2. Reaction Conditions:

    • The reaction occurs at room temperature.
    • Highly concentrated nitric acid (concentrated) is required for the reaction to take place.

  3. Reaction Process:

    • Iron reacts with concentrated nitric acid to form iron (III) nitrate, nitrogen dioxide and water.

  4. Observable Phenomena:

    • When iron is added to a solution of concentrated nitric acid, a chemical reaction occurs: the iron dissolves gradually, the solution changes to a brown colour due to the formation of brown NO2 gas, and bubbles of gas are released.

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