Intex Questions

1. What is:

a) Aqua Fortis:

Ans: Nitric acid is called aqua Fortis. Aqua means water and Fortis means strong, it is so-called
because nitric acid is a colorless liquid that is highly corrosive. It reacts with nearly all metals
(except gold) and converts them to corresponding soluble nitrates. It can even dissolve silver
which is not dissolved in any other acid. It has a molecular formula as HNO .3

b) Aqua Regia:

Ans: Aqua regia (Latin for royal water) is a freshly prepared mixture of concentrated hydrochloric
acid and concentrated nitric acid mixed in the ratio of 3 : 1 by volume. It can dissolve gold and
platinum. The acids combine to evolve nascent chlorine (Cl). Nascent chlorine is very reactive and
reacts with both gold and platinum. Hence, gold and platinum are soluble in it

3HCl + HNO 3

→→
NOCl+2 H O +2ClCl2

Nitrosyl Chloride Nascent

Au + 3 ClCl
→→
AuCl 3

Pt + 4 ClCl
→→
PtCl4

Aqua regia helps to remove the dull layer from the surface of gold giving it a shining look.

c) Fixation of Nitrogen:

Ans: The process of converting atmospheric nitrogen (N ) into useful nitrogenous compounds
2

such as ammonia etc. is known as fixation of nitrogen. The triple bond of nitrogen breaks and
nitrogen combines with hydrogen and oxygen to form the nitrogenous compounds.

2. During thunderstorms, rain water contains nitric acid. Explain with reactions.

Ans: During thunderstorms, the nitrogen present in the atmosphere reacts with oxygen to form
nitric oxide when lightning discharges.

N +O
2 2
 →→
2 NO
Nitric oxide

Nitric oxide is further oxidized to nitrogen dioxide.

2 NO + O 2

→→
2 NO 2

Nitrogen Dioxide

The nitrogen dioxide reacts with the atmospheric moisture or rain water in the presence of
oxygen in air and forms nitric acid which is washed down during rain and combines with the salt
present on the surface of the earth.

4 NO + 2 2HO 2 + O 2 + 4 HNO 3

Nitric Acid

3. Ammonia is used in the Ostwald process

a. Give the source of reactants used in this process.

Ans: Dry ammonia (free from moisture) produced in Haber’s process and dry air free from
carbon dioxide are the sources of reactants used in the Ostwald process.

b. Name the catalyst used in the process.

Ans: Platinum is used as a catalyst in the process. Platinum catalyses the ammonia in the
presence of oxygen to nitric oxide, which is further oxidised to nitrogen dioxide.

4 NH + 5O
3 2

→→
4 NO + 6 H O 2 + Heat

c) Name the oxidising agent used in this process.

Ans: Oxygen is the oxidising agent used in this process, which oxidises the nitric oxide to
nitrogen dioxide.

2 NO + O 2

→→
 2 NO 2

Nitric Oxide Nitrogen Dioxide

Nitrogen dioxide further undergoes hydrogenation in the presence of oxygen to form nitric acid.

d) What is the ratio of ammonia and air taken in this process?

Ans: The ratio of ammonia and air is taken in the process is 1:10. This means that 1 volume of
ammonia will react with 10 volumes of air.

e) Why is quartz used in this process?

Ans: Quartz used in this process is acid-resistant and helps in the absorption of nitrogen dioxide
in water in a uniform manner to form nitric oxide when packed in layers.

4. (a) Write a balanced chemical equation for the laboratory preparation of nitric acid.

Ans: The balanced chemical equation for the laboratory preparation of nitric acid is:

KNO 3 + H SO
2 4

→→
KHSO 4 + HNO 3

Potassium Nitrate Conc. Nitric Acid

In the laboratory, nitric acid is prepared by distilling conc. sulphuric acid with potassium nitrate,
KNO (nitre) or sodium nitrate, NaNO (Chile saltpetre).
3 3

b) In the preparation of nitric acid from KNO . Concentrated hydrochloric acid is not used
3

in place of concentrated sulphuric acid. Explain why.

Ans: Concentrated hydrochloric acid cannot be used in place of conc. sulphuric acid in the
preparation of nitric acid from KNO because hydrochloric acid is a volatile acid and hence nitric
3

acid vapours will carry HCI vapours with it in the preparation of HNO and it will be difficult to get
3

the nitric acid from the mixture.

c) Conc. nitric acid prepared in the laboratory is yellow in colour. Why? How is this colour
removed?
Ans: Concentrated nitric acid prepared in the laboratory is yellow in color due to dissolution of
reddish brown nitrogen dioxide gas in the acid. Nitric acid is unstable to heat and sunlight and
thermally decompose to form nitrogen dioxide gas as shown below:

4 HNO 3

→→
2HO +
2 4 NO 2 + O2

The yellow color of the acid can be removed by bubbling the dry air or carbon dioxide, CO gas 2

through the acid as it drives out the NO gas from the acid, which is further oxidised to form the
2

colorless nitric acid. Also by adding excess water, nitrogen dioxide gas will dissolve in water and
the yellow color of acid is removed and hence the colorless nitric acid is obtained.

d) Give reasons for the following:

In the laboratory preparation of nitric acid, the mixture of concentrated sulphuric acid
and sodium nitrate should not be heated very strongly above 200°C.

Ans: In the laboratory preparation of nitric acid, the mixture of concentrated sulphuric acid and
sodium nitrate should not be heated very strongly above 200°C because:

 Sodium sulphate formed at high temperature forms a hard crust that sticks to the wall of the
retort and is quite difficult to remove.

 Glass apparatus may be damaged at higher temperatures.

 At higher temperatures, the nitric acid also decomposes to give nitrogen dioxide.

5. (a) Nitric acid cannot be concentrated beyond 68% by the distillation of a dilute solution
of HNO . State the reason.
3

Ans: The mixture of nitric acid with water forms a constant boiling mixture which is 68%
concentrated nitric acid. This mixture boils with uniform composition at a constant boiling point.
At this temperature, the volatile nitric acid and the water vapour escape having uniform
composition. So nitric acid cannot be concentrated beyond 68% by distillation of a dilute solution
of HNO . 3

(b) What is passive iron? How is passivity removed?

Ans: The iron becomes chemically inert or passive when dipped in concentrated nitric acid due
to the formation of the thin layer of oxide Fe O on its surface. This inert iron is known as passive
3 4

iron. Passivity can be removed by heating the passive iron with a strong reducing agent or by
rubbing the surface of the passive iron with the sandpaper.
6. Name the product formed when:

a. Carbon and conc. nitric acid is heated

Ans: The products formed when carbon and conc. nitric acid is heated are carbon dioxide,
nitrogen dioxide and water.

C + 4 HNO 3

→→
CO + 2 2HO 2 + 4 NO 2

b. Dilute HNO is added to copper.

3

Ans: The products formed when dilute HNO is added to copper are copper nitrate, nitric oxide
3

and water.

3 Cu + 8 HNO 3

→→
3 Cu(NO ) + 3 2 4HO 2 + 4 NO

7. Give two chemical equations for each of the following:

a) Reactions of nitric acid with non-metals.

Ans: Carbon and sulphur are the non-metals their reactions with nitric acid are as follows.

C + 4 HNO 3

→→
CO 2 + 2HO 2 + 4 NO 2

S + 6 HNO3
→→
H SO
2 4 + 2HO 2 + 6 NO 2

b) Nitric acid showing as acidic character.

Ans: Metal oxides behave as alkalis, react with nitric oxide and undergo a neutralisation reaction
to form the corresponding soluble metal nitrates and water.

KO2 + 2 HNO 3

→→
2KNO 3 + HO 2
 ZnO + 2 HNO 3

→→
Zn(NO ) 3 2 + HO 2

c) Nitric acid acting as oxidizing agent.

Ans: Nitric acid acts as a strong oxidizing agent and readily oxidises non-metals, metals, inorganic
and organic compounds.

P 4 + 20 HNO 3

→→
4 H PO + 3 4 4HO 2 + 20 NO 2

3 Zn + 8 HNO 3

→→
3 Zn(NO ) + 3 2 4HO 2 + 2 NO

8. Write balanced equations and name the products formed when:

(a) Sodium hydrogen carbonate is added to nitric acid.

Ans: Nitric acid reacts with carbonates and bicarbonates to give salt, water and carbon dioxide.
Hence, when sodium hydrogen carbonate is added to nitric acid sodium nitrate, carbon dioxide
and water are formed.

NaHCO 3 + HNO 3

→→
NaNO 3 + HO
2 + CO 2

b) Cupric oxide reacts with dilute nitric acid

Ans: Cupric oxide is a metal oxide which behaves as alkali and undergo netralisation reaction
when react with nitric acid. Hence, when cupric oxide reacts with dilute nitric acid, it forms
copper nitrate salts, and water.

CuO + 2 HNO 3

→→
Cu(NO ) 3 2 + HO 2

c) Zinc reacts with dilute nitric acid

Ans: Zinc reacts with nitric acid to form zinc nitrate, nitric oxide and water.

3 Zn + 8 HNO 3

→→
3 Zn(NO ) + 4HO
3 2 + 2 NO 2

Nitric acid reacts with all metals except platinum and gold. The action of nitric acid and metals
depends upon the concentration of nitric acid and temperature. Dilute nitric acid oxidises metals
to their corresponding nitrates and evolves nitric oxide.

d. Concentrated nitric acid is heated

Ans: When concentrated nitric acid is heated it undergoes a decomposition reaction to form
nitrogen dioxide gas, water and oxygen gas.

4 HNO 3

→→
2HO 2 + 4 NO 2 + O 2

9. How will you prepare the following from nitric acid?

(a) Sodium nitrate

Ans: Sodium hydroxide reacts with nitric acid to form sodium nitrate.

NaOH + HNO 3

→→
NaNO + 3 HO
2

Sodium Nitrate

(b) Copper nitrate

Ans: Copper oxide is a metallic oxide which behaves as basic oxide reacts with nitric acid and
undergoes a neutralisation reaction to form copper nitrate and water.

CuO + 2 HNO 3

→→
Cu(NO ) 3 2 + HO 2

(c) Lead nitrate

Ans: Lead reacts with conc. nitric acid to form lead nitrate. Nitric acid reacts with metals to form
metal nitrates and nitrogen dioxide.

Pb + 4 HNO 3

→→
Pb(NO ) 3 2 + 2HO 2 + 2 NO 2

d) Magnesium nitrate

Ans: Dilute solution of nitric acid reacts with magnesium and manganese to give their nitrates
and hydrogen gas. Hence, magnesium with dil. nitric acid forms magnesium nitrate and
hydrogen gas is evolved.

Mg + 2 HNO 3

→→
Mg(NO ) 3 2 + H 2

(e) Ferric nitrate

Ans: Iron does not react with dilute nitric acid as it forms a layer of oxide over its surface, but it
reacts with concentrated nitric acid to form ferric nitrate and liberates nitrogen dioxide gas.

Fe + 6 HNO 3

→→
Fe(NO ) 3 3 + 3HO 2 + 3 NO 2

(f) Aqua regia

Ans: Aqua regia (Latin for royal water) is a freshly prepared mixture of concentrated hydrochloric
acid and concentrated nitric acid mixed in the ratio of 3:1 by volume. It can dissolve gold and
platinum. The acids combine to evolve nascent chlorine (Cl).

3 HCl + HNO 3

→→
NOCl + 2HO + 2 2 ClCl
Nitrosyl Chloride Nascent

10. Write the equation for the following conversions A, B. C and D.

Ans:

Explanation:

3 Cu + 8 HNO 3

→→
3 Cu(NO ) 3 2 + 4HO 2 + 2 NO
2 Cu(NO )
3 2

→→
2 Cu + 4 NO 2 + O (Decomposition)
2

2 Cu + O 2

→→
2 CuO (Oxidation)
CuO + H 2
 →→
Cu + HO
2 (Reduction)

11: Correct the following, if required:

a. HNO is a strong reducing agent

3

Ans: HNO is a strong reducing agent - Correct.

3

b. NaNO gives NO and O on heating.

3 2 2

Ans: NaNO gives NO and O on heating- Incorrect

3 2 2

NaNO gives NaNO and O on heating- Correct

3 2 2

c. Constant boiling nitric acid contains 80% nitric acid by weight.

Ans: Constant boiling nitric acid contains 80% nitric acid by weight- Incorrect

Constant boiling nitric acid contains 68% nitric acid by weight- Correct

d. Nitric acid remains colorless even when exposed to light.

Ans: Nitric acid remains colorless even when exposed to light.- Incorrect

Nitric acid turns yellow when exposed to light.- Correct

Exercise Questions
1. Choose the correct answer

a. The nitrate salt which does not give a mixture of NO and O on heating is:
2 2

I. AgNO 3

II. KNO 3

III. Cu(NO ) 3 2

IV. Zn(NO ) 3 2

Solution: II. KNO is the nitrate salt which does not give a mixture of NO and O on heating.
3 2 2
The alkali metal nitrates such as sodium or potassium nitrates when heated melts into colourless
liquids which decompose on heating to give oxygen gas. The colorless liquid burns into flame
due to the formation of oxygen gas when the glowing splinter is brought near.

2 KNO 3

→→
2 KNO 2 + O 2
Colourless Crystalline

(b) The chemical used in the brown ring test is:

I. CuSO 4

II. FeSO 4

III. Fe (SO )2 4 3

IV. ZnSO 4

Ans: II. The chemical used in the brown ring test is FeSO . 4

Explanation: The brown ring is formed at the junction of ferrous sulphate and sulphuric acid as
the conc. sulphuric acid being heavier settles down and the ferrous sulphate layer remains above
it resulting in the formation of a brown ring at the junction as the reaction given below:

6 FeSO + 3 H SO + 2 HNO 4 2 4 3

→→
3 Fe SO ) + 4 H SO + NO
2( 4 3 2 4

FeSO + NO 4

→→
FeSO . NO 4

(Nitroso Ferrous sulfate, a brown complex)

(c) Lead nitrate decomposes on heating to give:

I. NO

II. N O
2

III. NO 2

IV. N O 2 5

Ans: II. Lead nitrate decomposes on heating to give NO . 2

Lead nitrate decomposes on heating to give lead oxide, nitrogen dioxide and oxygen.
 2 Pb(NO ) 3 2

→→
2 PbO + 4 NO 2 + O 2

Yellow solid
2. Name

a) a nitrate of metal which on heating does not give nitrogen dioxide.

Ans: A nitrate of metal that on heating does not give nitrogen dioxide is sodium nitrate.
b) a nitrate which on heating leaves no residue behind.

Ans: A nitrate that on heating leaves no residue behind is ammonium nitrate.

c) a metal nitrate which on heating is changed into metal oxide.

Ans: A metal nitrate that on heating is changed into metal oxide is calcium nitrate.
d) a metal nitrate which on heating is changed into metal.

Ans: A metal nitrate that on heating is changed into metal oxide is mercury nitrate.
e) a solution that absorbs nitric oxide.

Ans: A solution that absorbs nitric oxide is a ferrous sulfate solution.

f) the oxide of nitrogen which turns brown on exposure to air. How is it prepared?

Ans: Nitric oxide is the oxide of nitrogen that turns brown on exposure to air.

2 NO + O 2

→→
NO 2

Nitric Oxide Nitrogen Dioxide (brown gas)

Nitric oxide can be prepared during catalytic oxidation by platinum at 800C of ammonia as
shown below:

4 NH + 5 O 3 2

→→
4 NO + 6 H O 2 + Heat
Explanation:

Alkali metals such as sodium and potassium nitrate melts into colourless liquid on heating and
decomposes to give oxygen.

2 NaNO 3

→→
2 NaNO 2 + O 2

2 KNO 3

→→
2 KNO 2 + O 2
When a glowing splinter is brought near the molten liquid, it burst into flames as oxygen gas is
evolved.

All other nitrates except those of silver and mercury decompose to give their oxides, nitrogen
dioxide and oxygen.

2 Ca(NO ) →2 CaO + 4 NO + O
3 2 2

Brown gas
2 Zn(NO ) → 2 ZnO + 4 NO + O
3 2 2 2

2 Pb(NO ) →2 PbO
3 2 + 4 NO 2 + O 2

2 Cu(NO ) 3 2

→→
2 CuO + 4 NO + O 2 2

 Silver and mercury nitrates decompose to give their respective metals nitrogen dioxide and
oxygen.

2 AgNO 3

→→
2 Ag + 2 NO + O 2 2

2 Hg(NO ) 3 2

→→
Hg + 2 NO + O 2 2

 Ammonium nitrate decomposes explosively to give no residue as N2O gas is evolved and
water as steam evaporated leaving behind no residue.

2 NH NO 4 3

→→
N O(g)
2 + 2HO 2

Nitrous Oxide (Laughing gas)

 Ferrous sulphate solution absorbs nitric oxide to form nitroso ferrous sulphate, a brown
complex.

2 FeSO 4 + HO 2 + NO
→→
[Fe (H O)NO]SO
2 4

Nitric Oxide Brown Complex

 Nitric oxide turns brown on exposure to air due to formation of nitrogen dioxide (brown
gas). Nitric oxide can be prepared by catalytic oxidation by platinum at 80 C of ammonia.0
3. Mention three important uses of nitric acid. Give the property of nitric acid involved in
the use.

Ans:

S.No
Uses Property of Nitric Acid
.

To etch designs on copper and Acts as solvent for a large number of metals except
1.
brasswares noble metals

Dissolves impurities such as Ag, Cu, Zn etc. present in

2. Purification of gold
gold

3. Preparation of Aqua regia Highly corrosive, dissolves noble metals

4. (a) Explain with the help of a balanced equation, the brown ring test for nitric acid.

Ans: In the brown ring test for nitric acid, the brown ring is formed at the junction of ferrous
sulphate and sulphuric acid as the conc. sulphuric acid being heavier settles down and the
ferrous sulphate layer remains above it resulting in the formation of a brown ring at the junction
due to the formation of brown complex compound as the reaction given below:

6 FeSO + 3 H SO + 2 HNO
4 2 4 3

→→
3Fe (SO ) + 4 H SO + NO
2 4 3 2 4

FeSO4 + NO
→→
FeSO . NO4

(Nitroso Ferrous sulphate, a brown compound)

b. Why is a freshly prepared ferrous sulphate solution used for testing the nitrate radical
in the brown ring test?

Ans: A freshly prepared ferrous sulphate solution is used for testing the nitrate radical in the
brown ring test because on exposure to the atmosphere, it is oxidised to ferric sulphate due to
which it will not give the brown ring test.

5. From the following list of substances, choose one substance in each case that matches
the description given below:

Ammonium nitrate, calcium hydrogen carbonate, copper carbonate, lead nitrate,

potassium nitrate, sodium carbonate, sodium hydrogen carbonate, zinc carbonate.
A substance that gives off only oxygen when heated.

Ans: Potassium nitrate gives off only oxygen when heated.

Alkali metals such as sodium and potassium nitrate melts into colourless liquid on heating and
decompose to give oxygen.

2 NaNO 3

→→
2 NaNO 2 + O 2

2 KNO 3

→→
2 KNO + O 2 2

When a glowing splinter is brought near the molten liquid, it burst into flames as oxygen gas is
evolved.

b. A substance that on heating decomposes into dinitrogen oxide (nitrous oxide) and
steam.

Ans: Ammonium nitrate on heating decomposes into dinitrogen oxide (nitrous oxide) and steam.

Ammonium nitrate decomposes explosively to give no residue as

2 NH NO
4 3

→→
N O(g) 2 + 2HO 2

Nitrous Oxide (Laughing gas)

c. A substance that gives off oxygen and nitrogen dioxide when heated.

Ans: Lead nitrate off oxygen and nitrogen dioxide when heated.

Explanation:
All other nitrates except those of silver and mercury decompose to give their oxides, nitrogen
dioxide and oxygen.

2 Ca(NO ) 3 2

→→
2 CaO + 4 NO 2 + O 2

Brown gas
2 Zn(NO ) 3 2

→→
 2 ZnO + 4 NO 2 + O 2

2 Pb(NO ) 3 2

→→
2 PbO + 4 NO 2 + O 2

2 Cu(NO ) 3 2

→→
2 CuO + 4 NO 2 + O 2

d. A substance which on heating leaves yellow residue

Ans: Zinc carbonate on heating leaves yellow residue.

Explanation:
Zinc carbonate on heating form zinc oxide and carbon dioxide gas is evolved leaving behind the
yellow ZnO.

ZnCO 3

→→
ZnO + CO 2 + O 2

Yellow solid when hot,

white when cold

6. The action of heat on the blue crystalline solid X, gives a reddish-brown gas Y, a gas that
re-lights a glowing splint and leaves a black residue. When gas Z, which has a rotten egg
smell, is passed through a solution of X. a black ppt. is formed.

a. Identify X, Y, and Z.

Ans: X is copper nitrate [Cu(NO ) ], Y is nitrogen dioxide [NO ] and Z is hydrogen sulfide [H S].
3 2 2 2

b. Write an equation for the action of heat on X.

Ans: When copper nitrate [Cu(NO ) ] is heated, a brown color gas of nitrogen dioxide NO with
3 2 2

oxygen gas is evolved leaving behind a black residue of copper oxide, CuO. As oxygen gas is
evolved, glowing splints will re-lights.

2 Cu(NO ) 3 2

→→
2 CuO + 4 NO 2 + O 2

Reddish-brown
c. Write equation between the solution of X and gas Z.

Ans: Cu(NO ) 3 2 + HS 2

→→
CuS + 2 HNO 3

Explanation:
Salt of copper and their solution are blue in colour. Copper nitrate [Cu(NO ) ] is a blue crystalline
3 2

solid X, when heated, gives reddish-brown NO gas, oxygen gas which re-lights a glowing splint
2

and leaves a black residue of CuO.

2 Cu(NO ) 3 2

→→
2 CuO + 4 NO 2 + O 2

Reddish-brown
When a H S gas, which has a rotten egg smell, is passed through a solution of Cu(NO ) , a black
2 3 2

ppt. of CuS is formed.

2 Cu(NO ) 3 2 + HS
2

→→
2 CuS + 2 HNO 3

Black ppt.

7. X. Y and Z are three crystalline solids that are soluble in water and have a common
anion. To help you to identify X. Y and Z, you are provided with the following experimental
observations. Copy and complete the corresponding inferences in (a) to (e).

a. A reddish-brown gas is obtained when X, Y and Z are separately warmed with

concentrated sulphuric acid and copper turning added to the mixture.

INFERENCE I: The common anion is the _____________ ion.

Ans: The common anion is the nitrate ion.

As the reddish-brown gas is obtained when X, Y, and Z are separately warmed with concentrated
sulphuric acid when these have anion as nitrate which evolve into brown NO gas that intensifies
2

when copper turning added to this acidified mixture.

Metallic nitrates
→→
Metallic Oxides + NO 2 + O 2

b. When X is heated, it melts and gives off only one gas which re-lights a glowing splint.
Inference 2: The cation in X is either __________ or ___________.

Ans: The cation in X is either sodium or potassium.

Sodium and potassium nitrates or alkali nitrates melts into colorless liquid on heating and
decomposes to give oxygen.

2 NaNO 3

→→
2 NaNO 2 + O 2

Slightly delinquent

KNO 3

→→
KNO + O 2 2

Colorless Crystalline

When the glowing splinter is brought near, the colorless liquid, it re-lights due to the evolution of
oxygen gas.

c. The action of heat on Y produces a reddish-brown gas and a yellow residue which fuses
with the glass of the test tube.

Inference 3: The metal ion present in Y is the ___________ ion.

Ans: The metal ion present in Y is the lead ion.

Lead nitrate is Y which is a colorless crystalline solid when heated from a yellow solid of lead
oxide which fuses with glass and reddish-brown nitrogen dioxide gas is evolved along with
oxygen.

2 Pb(NO ) 3 2

→→
2 PbO + 4 NO 2 + O 2

Colorless Yellow solid

Crystals fuses with glass

d. When Z is heated, it leaves no residue. Warming Z with sodium hydroxide solution

liberates a gas which turns moist red litmus paper blue.

Inference 4: Z contains the __________ ion.

Ans: Z contains the ammonium cation.

Ammonium nitrate decomposes explosively to give no residue as N2O gas is evolved and water
as steam evaporated leaving behind no residue.
2 NH NO
4 3

→→
N O(g)
2 + 2HO 2

Nitrous Oxide (Laughing gas)

When ammonium nitrate gives ammonia gas which is basic in nature and moist red litmus paper
blue.

2 NH NO 4 3 + NaOH
→→
NaNO 3 + NH 3 + HO2

e. Write the equations for the following reactions.

(i) X and concentrated sulphuric acid (below 210° C). (One equation only for either of the
cations given in INFERENCE 2).

Ans: X can be sodium and potassium nitrates and their reactions with concentrated sulphuric
acid (below 210°C) form. When sodium and potassium nitrates react with concentrated sulphuric
acid form nitric acid.

2 NaNO 3 + H SO2 4

→→
Na SO 2 4 + 2 HNO 3

KNO 3 + H SO 2 4

→→
KHSO 4 + HNO 3

(ii) Action of heat on Y.

Ans: Y, which is lead nitrate decomposes on heat and form a yellow solid of lead oxide which
fuses with glass and reddish-brown nitrogen dioxide gas is evolved along with oxygen.

2 Pb(NO ) 3 2

→→
2 PbO + 4 NO 2 + O 2

Colorless Yellow solid

Crystals fuses with glass

(iii) Concentrated nitric acid is added to copper turnings kept in a beaker.

Ans: When concentrated nitric acid is added to copper turnings kept in a beaker, dense reddish-
brown fumes of nitrogen dioxide gas are evolve.

Cu + 4 HNO 3

→→
Cu(NO ) + 2 H O
3 2 2 + 2 NO 2

Reddish brown

8.(a) Dilute nitric acid is generally considered a typical acid except for its reaction with
metals. In what way is dilute nitric acid different from other acids when it reacts with
metals?

Ans: Generally, acids react with metals to form salts and hydrogen gas but not the same case
with nitric acid. Dilute nitric acid is considered a typical acid except for its reaction with metals
since it does not liberate hydrogen. It is a powerful oxidising agent and the nascent oxygen
formed oxidises the hydrogen to water.

All metals (except Mn and Mg) react with dil. nitric acid to evolve nitrate salt of corresponding
metal, water and nitric oxide.

3 Cu + 8 HNO 3

→→
3 Cu(NO ) + 4 H O3 2 2 + 2 NO
3 Zn + 8 HNO 3

→→
3 Zn(NO ) + 4 H O
3 2 2 + 2 NO
3 Fe + 8 HNO 3

→→
3 Fe(NO ) + 4 H O
3 2 2 + 2 NO

b. Write the equation for the reaction of dilute nitric acid and conc. nitric acid with
copper.

Ans: The equation for the reaction of dilute nitric acid and conc. nitric acid with copper is:

Reaction with dil. HNO : 3

3 Cu + 8 HNO 3

→→
3 Cu(NO ) + 4 H O3 2 2 + 2 NO
Reaction with conc.HNO : 3
Cu + 4 HNO 3

→→
3 Cu(NO ) 3 2 + 2HO
2 + 2 NO 2

9. Explain why

a. Only all-glass apparatus should be used for the preparation of nitric acid by heating
concentrated sulphuric acid and potassium nitrate.

Ans: Only all-glass apparatus should be used for the preparation of nitric acid by heating
concentrated sulphuric acid and potassium nitrate because fumes of nitric acid formed during
the reaction are acidic and highly corrosive and react with cocks, rubber etc. if used as stopper.

b. Nitric acid is kept in a reagent bottle for a long time.

Ans: Nitric acid is kept in a reagent bottle for a long time because pure nitric acid is unstable to
sunlight and heat and to avoid its decomposition it is kept in reagent bottle.

4 HNO 3

→→
O + 2HO
2 + 2 NO2 2

Due to the formation of brown NO2 gas, nitric acid turns yellowish in color because of the
dissolution of NO gas in HNO .2 3

10. The figure given below illustrates the apparatus used in the laboratory preparation of
nitric acid.
a. Name A (a liquid), B (a solid) and C (a liquid). (Do not give the formulae).

Ans: A(a liquid) is concentrated sulphuric acid, B (a solid) is sodium nitrate or potassium nitrate
and C (a liquid) is nitric acid.

b. Write an equation to show how nitric acid undergoes decomposition.

Ans: Nitric acid decomposes to liberate nitrogen dioxide along with oxygen and form water.

4 HNO 3

→→
O 2 + 2HO 2 + 2 NO 2

c. Write the equation for the reaction in which copper is oxidized by concentrated nitric
acid.

Ans: Copper metal is oxidized by concentrated nitric acid to copper nitrate.

Cu + 4 HNO 3

→→
Cu(NO ) 3 2 + 2HO 2 + 2 NO 2

11.
a. A dilute acid B does not normally give hydrogen when reacted with metals but does give
a gas when reacts with copper. Identify B. Write equation with copper.

Ans: Acid B is nitric acid as it oxidises the hydrogen formed when reacted with metals to form
water and hence does not normally give hydrogen gas. Nitric acid reacts with copper to evolve
nitrogen dioxide gas.

Cu + 4 HNO 3

→→
3 Cu(NO ) 3 2 + 2HO 2 + 2 NO 2

b. Complete the table:

Name of Equatio
Inputs Output
Process n

Ammonia + Nitric Acid

Air
Ans:

Name of
Inputs Equation Output
Process

Ostwald Ammonia + 4 NH + 5O ⟶ 4 NO + 6H O +
3 2 2 Nitric Acid
Process Air Heat
2 NO + O ⟶ 2 NO
2 2

4 NO + 2 H O + O ⟶ 4 HNO
2 2 2 3

c. What is the property of nitric acid which allows it to react with copper?

Ans: Oxidising property of nitric acid allows it to react with copper.

d. State one observation:

i) Concentrated nitric acid is reacted with sulphur.

Ans: When concentrated nitric acid is reacted with sulphur, dense brown fumes of nitrogen
dioxide are observed.

S + 6 HNO 3

→→
H SO
2 4 + HO
2 + 6 NO 2

ii) Lead nitrate is heated strongly in a test tube.

Ans: Lead nitrate decomposes on heating strongly in a test and brown gas of nitrogen dioxide is
observed.

2 Pb(NO ) 3 2

→→
2 PbO + 4 NO 2 + O 2

Yellow solid
2012:

a. Name - the gas produced when copper reacts with conc. nitric acid.

Ans: Nitrogen gas is evolved when copper reacts with conc. nitric acid.

Cu + 4 HNO 3

→→
 Cu(NO ) + 2 H O
3 2 2 + 2 NO 2

Reddish brown

b. State observation - zinc nitrate crystals are strongly heated.

Ans: When zinc nitrate crystals are strongly heated, brown fumes of nitrogen dioxide gas is
observed leaving behind the yellow residue of zinc oxide which turns white when cooled.

2 Zn(NO ) 3 2

→→
2 ZnO + 4 NO 2 + O 2

Yellow(when hot),
white(when cold)

c. Correct the statement:

Magnesium reacts with nitric acid to liberate hydrogen gas.

Ans: Magnesium reacts with nitric acid to liberate hydrogen gas.- Incorrect

Magnesium reacts with dilute nitric acid to liberate hydrogen gas. - Correct.

Very dilute (about 1%) acid reacts with magnesium (and manganese) at room temperature to give
its nitrates and hydrogen gas. The oxidizing action of the acid is much reduced due to the dilution
of the acid.

Mg + 2 HNO 3

→→
Mg(NO ) 3 2 + H 2

(Very Dilute)

d. Iron is rendered passive with fuming HNO . 3

Ans: Iron forms a thin layer of insoluble iron oxide with fuming HNO which makes it passive (or 3

inert).

e. Give the balanced equation for dilute nitric acid and copper carbonate.

Ans: CuCO + 2 HNO 3 3

→→
Cu(NO ) 3 2 + HO
2 + CO 2
2013:

a. Identify the gas evolved when.

i) Sulphur is treated with conc. nitric acid.

Ans: Nitrogen dioxide gas is evolved when sulphur is treated with conc. nitric acid.

S + 6 HNO 3

→→
H SO
2 4 + 2H O 2 + 6 NO 2

ii) A few crystals of KNO are heated in a hard glass test tube.
3

Ans: Oxygen gas is evolved when a few crystals of KNO3 are heated in a hard glass test tube.

2 KNO ⟶ 3 2 KNO 2 + O 2

b. State two relevant observations for lead nitrate crystals heated in a hard glass test
tube.

Ans: The two relevant observations for lead nitrate crystals heated in a hard glass test tube are:

i) Brown fumes of nitrogen dioxide gas evolved.

ii) Yellow solid PbO which fuses with glass is formed as a residue.

2 Pb(NO ) 3 2

→→
2 PbO + 4 NO 2 + O 2

Yellow solid

c. Give a balanced equation for oxidation of carbon with conc. HNO . 3

Ans: The balanced equation for oxidation of carbon with conc. HNO is: 3

C + 4 HNO 3

→→
CO +
2 2 H O + 4 NO
2 2

conc.
2014:

a. Fill In the blank

Cold dil. nitric acid reacts with copper to form _________ (hydrogen, nitrogen dioxide. nitric
oxide).

Ans: Cold dil. nitric acid reacts with copper to form nitric oxide.

3 Cu + 8 HNO 3

→→
3 Cu(NO ) + 3 2 4HO 2 + 4 NO
Nitric oxide

b. Give balanced equations for the following:

I. Laboratory preparation of nitric acid.

Ans: KNO 3 + H SO2 4

→→
2 KHSO 4 + HNO 3

Conc.

NaNO 3 + H SO 2 4

→→
2 NaHSO 4 + HNO 3

Conc.

Nitrate acid is prepared in the laboratory by heating the sodium or potassium nitrate salt above
20 C with concentrated sulphuric acid.
0

II. The action of heat on a mixture of copper and nitric acid.

Ans: Cu + 4 HNO 3

→→
Cu(NO ) + 2 H O
3 2 2 + 2 NO2

Reddish brown
2015

a. Identify the acid

I. Which is used for the preparation of non-volatile acid.

Ans: Nitric acid is used for the preparation of non-volatile acid

S + 6 HNO 3
 →→
H SO
2 4 + 2H O2 + 6 NO 2

Non-volatile Acid

II. The acid is prepared by catalytic oxidation of ammonia.

Ans: Nitric acid is the acid which is prepared by catalytic oxidation of ammonia.

4 NH + 5 O
3 2

→→
4 NO + 6 H O 2 + Heat
2 NO + O 2

→→
2 NO 2

4 NO + 2 H O + O
2 2 2

→→
4 HNO 3

b. State one appropriate observation; when crystals of copper nitrate are heated in a test
tube.

Ans: When crystals of copper nitrate are heated in a test tube, the evolution of brown gas of
nitrogen dioxide is observed.

2 Cu(NO ) 3 2

→→
2 CuO + 4 NO 2 + O 2

Reddish-brown

c. Explain the following:

I. Dil. HNO is generally considered a typical acid but not so in the reaction with metals.
3

Ans: Generally acids react with the metal to evolve hydrogen gas but not so for the reaction of
dil. HNO with metals because nitric acid acts as an oxidizing agent and oxidizes the evolved
3

hydrogen gas to water. Hence, dil. HNO is not considered a typical acid. 3

II. When it is left standing in a glass bottle concentrated nitric acid appears yellow.
Ans: Concentrated nitric acid is unstable to sunlight and heat and so decomposes when it is left
standing in a glass bottle.

4 HNO 3

→→
O 2 + 2HO 2 + 2 NO 2

Reddish brown

The formed brown nitrogen dioxide gas dissolves in the nitric acid due to which it appears yellow
in color.

III. In the laboratory preparation of nitric acid, an all-glass apparatus is used.

Ans: Nitric acid is a highly corrosive acid, the fumes of nitric acid can corrode the cork, and
rubber is used as a stopper in the laboratory preparation of nitric acid so as to avoid corrosion of
the apparatus an all-glass apparatus is used.