Step 1: Definition of Aqua Regia.
Aqua regia is a freshly prepared mixture of concentrated hydrochloric acid and concentrated nitric acid in the ratio of 3:1. It is a powerful oxidizing and dissolving medium, capable of dissolving noble metals like gold and platinum.
Step 2: Reaction with Gold.
Gold dissolves in aqua regia forming chloroauric acid.
\[
Au + HNO_3 + 4HCl \longrightarrow H[AuCl_4] + NO + 2H_2O
\]
Step 3: Reaction with Platinum.
Platinum dissolves in aqua regia forming chloroplatinic acid.
\[
Pt + 4HNO_3 + 6HCl \longrightarrow H_2[PtCl_6] + 4NO_2 + 4H_2O
\]
Conclusion:
Aqua regia is a unique mixture that dissolves even noble metals like gold and platinum, which do not react with single acids.