Reaction of Copper with Concentrated Nitric Acid
When copper reacts with concentrated nitric acid (\( HNO_3 \)), a reddish-brown gas, nitrogen dioxide (\( NO_2 \)), is evolved. The reaction can be represented as:
\(\text{Cu} + 4HNO_3 \rightarrow \text{Cu(NO}_3\text{)}_2 + 2H_2O + 2NO_2\)
Explanation:
- Reddish-Brown Gas (\( NO_2 \)): Nitrogen dioxide is a brown gas produced in this reaction, which is a result of the reduction of nitric acid in the presence of copper.
- Copper Nitrate: Copper forms copper(II) nitrate (\( Cu(NO_3)_2 \)) as one of the products of the reaction.
- Water: Water molecules are also produced as part of the reaction with nitric acid.