Question:

Concentrated nitric acid (\( \text{HNO}_3 \)) oxidizes phosphorus to:

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When phosphorus reacts with concentrated nitric acid, it forms phosphoric acid (\( \text{H}_3\text{PO}_4 \)) due to oxidation.
Updated On: Apr 22, 2026
  • \( \text{H}_3\text{PO}_4 \)
  • \( \text{H}_3\text{PO}_3 \)
  • \( \text{H}_4\text{P}_2\text{O}_7 \)
  • \( \text{H}_3\text{PO}_2 \)
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Reaction of phosphorus with nitric acid.
When phosphorus reacts with concentrated nitric acid, it gets oxidized to phosphoric acid (\( \text{H}_3\text{PO}_4 \)).

Step 2: Analyze the options.

- \( \text{H}_3\text{PO}_4 \): This is phosphoric acid, which is formed when phosphorus is oxidized by concentrated nitric acid.
- \( \text{H}_3\text{PO}_3 \): This is phosphorous acid, which is typically formed under milder oxidation conditions, not in this reaction.
- \( \text{H}_4\text{P}_2\text{O}_7 \): This is pyrophosphoric acid, which does not form in this reaction.
- \( \text{H}_3\text{PO}_2 \): This is hypophosphorous acid, also formed under different conditions of oxidation.

Step 3: Conclusion.

The correct answer is (1), \( \text{H}_3\text{PO}_4 \), which is formed by the oxidation of phosphorus by concentrated nitric acid.
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