Question

When copper is treated with a certain concentration of nitric acid, nitric oxide and nitrogen dioxide are liberated in equal volumes according to the equation, \[ xCu + yHNO_3 \rightarrow Cu(NO_3)_2 + NO + NO_2 + H_2O \] The coefficients of \( x \) and \( y \) are respectively

• A. 2 and 3
• B. 3 and 5
• C. 2 and 6
• D. 1 and 3

Hint:

In redox reactions, balance the number of atoms and charges on both sides of the equation to determine the stoichiometric coefficients.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

By balancing the reaction for the liberation of nitric oxide and nitrogen dioxide, the stoichiometric coefficients for copper and nitric acid are found to be 2 and 3, respectively.