Question:

From the given list of metals, identify the number of metals which do not dissolve in concentrated nitric acid are Cu, Al, Zn, Ni, Fe.

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Conc. HNO\(_3\) causes passivation in Al, Fe, Ni due to oxide layer formation.
Updated On: Jun 19, 2026
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding behavior of metals with conc. HNO\(_3\).
Concentrated nitric acid is a strong oxidizing agent and generally dissolves most metals, but some metals become passivated or show resistance.

Step 2: Checking each metal.

- Cu: dissolves in HNO\(_3\) → forms Cu\(^{2+}\), so it reacts
- Al: becomes passivated due to protective Al\(_2\)O\(_3\) layer → does not dissolve easily
- Zn: reacts with HNO\(_3\) → dissolves
- Ni: shows passivation in conc. HNO\(_3\) → does not dissolve readily
- Fe: also becomes passivated → does not dissolve

Step 3: Identifying non-dissolving metals.

Metals that do not dissolve: Al, Ni, Fe → total = 3

Step 4: Final reasoning.

Passivation occurs due to formation of protective oxide layers preventing further reaction with acid.

Step 5: Final conclusion.

Hence, number of metals not dissolving = 3.
Final Answer: \[ \boxed{3} \]
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