Question:

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

Updated On: Apr 20, 2025

$Cu(NO_3)_2$ and $NO$
$Cu(NO_3)_2,NO$ and $NO_2 $
$Cu(NO_3)_2$ and $N_2O$
$Cu(NO_3)_2$ and $NO_2$

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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

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.

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Concepts Used:

P-Block Elements

P block elements are those in which the last electron enters any of the three p-orbitals of their respective shells. Since a p-subshell has three degenerate p-orbitals each of which can accommodate two electrons, therefore in all there are six groups of p-block elements.
P block elements are shiny and usually a good conductor of electricity and heat as they have a tendency to lose an electron. You will find some amazing properties of elements in a P-block element like gallium. It’s a metal that can melt in the palm of your hand. Silicon is also one of the most important metalloids of the p-block group as it is an important component of glass.

P block elements consist of:

Group 13 Elements: Boron family
Group 14 Elements: Carbon family
Group 15 Elements: Nitrogen family
Group 16 Elements: Oxygen family
Group 17 Elements: Fluorine family
Group 18 Elements: Neon family