Question:medium

When copper is heated with conc. $HNO_3$ it produces :

Updated On: May 22, 2026
  • $Cu(NO_3)_2$ and $NO$
  • $Cu(NO_3)_2,NO$ and $NO_2 $
  • $Cu(NO_3)_2$ and $N_2O$
  • $Cu(NO_3)_2$ and $NO_2$
Show Solution

The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

To solve the given question, let us understand the chemical reaction involved when copper (\(Cu\)) is heated with concentrated nitric acid (\(HNO_3\)).

Reaction of Copper with Concentrated Nitric Acid

The reaction between copper and concentrated nitric acid can be represented by the following chemical equation:

3Cu + 8HNO_3 \rightarrow 3Cu(NO_3)_2 + 2NO_2 + 4H_2O

  • In this reaction, copper metal reacts with concentrated nitric acid to form copper (II) nitrate \((Cu(NO_3)_2)\), nitrogen dioxide gas \((NO_2)\), and water \((H_2O)\).
  • Nitrogen dioxide (\(NO_2\)) is a reddish-brown gas, which is a characteristic byproduct of this reaction.

Assessment of the Options

  1. Cu(NO_3)_2 and NO: Incorrect. This reaction does not typically produce \(NO\) (Nitric Oxide) when concentrated nitric acid is used.
  2. Cu(NO_3)_2, NO, and NO_2: Incorrect. While \(NO_2\) is produced, \((NO)\) is not typically a product with concentrated nitric acid.
  3. Cu(NO_3)_2 and N_2O: Incorrect. The formation of \(N_2O\) (Nitrous Oxide) is not favored in this reaction condition.
  4. Cu(NO_3)_2 and NO_2: Correct. This matches the products of the reaction under study conditions.

Conclusion

Based on the chemical reaction and the analysis of the options, the correct answer is:

Cu(NO_3)_2 and NO_2.

Tip:

When dealing with reactions involving nitric acid, remember that the concentration of the acid can affect the nitrogen oxides produced. Concentrated nitric acid often leads to the formation of \(NO_2\).

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