Question:

Gas produced when copper reacts with dilute HNO3: Nitric oxide (NO)

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Dilute $HNO_{3}$ = NO (Nitric Oxide); Concentrated $HNO_{3}$ = $NO_{2}$ (Nitrogen Dioxide).
Updated On: May 5, 2026
  • NO$_{2}$
  • NO
  • H$_{2}$
  • NH$_{3}$
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Concept
The reaction of metals with nitric acid ($HNO_{3}$) depends on the concentration of the acid and the nature of the metal.

Step 2: Meaning

Nitric acid acts as a strong oxidizing agent, typically producing nitrogen oxides rather than hydrogen gas.

Step 3: Analysis

When copper ($Cu$) reacts with dilute $HNO_{3}$, it follows the equation: $3Cu + 8HNO_{3} \rightarrow 3Cu(NO_{3})_{2} + 2NO \uparrow + 4H_{2}O$. Concentrated $HNO_{3}$ would produce brown $NO_{2}$ gas instead.

Step 4: Conclusion

Thus, the colourless gas produced with dilute nitric acid is nitric oxide ($NO$). Final Answer: (B)
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