ICSE Selina Solutions for Class 10

Chemistry
Chapter 10 – Study Of Compounds C Nitric Acid

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 which 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 HNO3.
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

3 HCl + HNO3 ⟶ NOCl + 2 H2O + 2 [Cl]

Nitrosyl Chloride Nascent

Au + 3 [Cl] ⟶ AuCl3

Pt + 4 [Cl] ⟶ 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 (N2) into useful nitrogenous
compounds 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.

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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.

N2 + O 2 ⟶ 2 NO

Nitric oxide
Nitric oxide is further oxidized to nitrogen dioxide.

2 NO + O2 ⟶ 2 NO2

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 NO2 + 2 H2O + O2 + 4 HNO3

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 NH3 + 5O2 ⟶ 4 NO + 6 H2O + 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 + O2 ⟶ 2 NO2

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 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 taken in the process is 1:10. This means that
1 volume of ammonia will react with 10 volume 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:

KNO3 + H2SO4 ⟶ KHSO4 + HNO3

Potassium Nitrate Conc. Nitric Acid

In the laboratory, nitric acid is prepared by distilling conc. sulphuric acid with
potassium nitrate, KNO3 (nitre) or sodium nitrate, NaNO3 (Chile saltpetre).
b) In the preparation of nitric acid from KNO3. Concentrated hydrochloric
acid is not used 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 KNO3 because hydrochloric acid is
a volatile acid and hence nitric acid vapours will carry HCI vapours with it in the
preparation of HNO3 and it will be difficult to get 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:

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 4 HNO3 ⟶ 2 H2O + 4 NO2 + O2

The yellow color of the acid can be removed by bubbling the dry air or carbon
dioxide, CO2 gas through the acid as it drives out the NO2 gas from the acid, which
is further oxidised to form the 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 HNO3. State the reason.
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
HNO3.

(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 Fe3O4 on its surface.
This inert iron is known as passive 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.

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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 ⟶ CO2 + 2 H2O + 4 NO2

b. Dilute HNO3 is added to copper.

Ans: The products formed when dilute HNO3 is added to copper are copper
nitrate, nitric oxide and water.

3 Cu + 8 HNO 3 ⟶ 3 Cu(NO3)2 + 4 H2O + 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 HNO3 ⟶ CO2 + 2 H2 O + 4 NO2

S + 6 HNO3 ⟶ H2SO4 + 2 H2O + 6 NO2

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.

K2O + 2 HNO3 ⟶ 2KNO3 + H2O

ZnO + 2 HNO3 ⟶ Zn(NO3)2 + H2O

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.

P4 + 20 HNO3 ⟶ 4 H3PO4 + 4 H2O + 20 NO2

3 Zn + 8 HNO3 ⟶ 3 Zn(NO3)2 + 4 H2 O + 2 NO

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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.

NaHCO3 + HNO3 ⟶ NaNO3 + H2 O + CO2

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 HNO3 ⟶ Cu(NO3)2 + H2O

c) Zinc reacts with dilute nitric acid

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

3 Zn + 8 HNO3 ⟶ 3 Zn(NO3)2 + 4 H2O + 2 NO

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 HNO3 ⟶ 2 H2O + 4 NO2 + O2

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 + HNO3 ⟶ NaNO3 + H2O

Sodium Nitrate

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(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 HNO3 ⟶ Cu(NO3)2 + H2O

(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 HNO3 ⟶ Pb(NO3)2 + 2 H2O + 2 NO2

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 HNO3 ⟶ Mg(NO3)2 + H2

(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 HNO3 ⟶ Fe(NO3)3 + 3 H2O + 3 NO2

(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 + HNO3 ⟶ NOCl + 2 H2O + 2 [Cl]

Nitrosyl Chloride Nascent

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

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Ans:

Explanation:

3 Cu + 8 HNO3 ⟶ 3 Cu(NO3)2 + 4 H2O + 2 NO

2 Cu(NO3)2 ⟶ 2 Cu + 4 NO2 + O2 (Decomposition)

2 Cu + O2 ⟶ 2 CuO (Oxidation)

CuO + H2 ⟶ Cu + H2O (Reduction)

11: Correct the following, if required:

a. HNO3 is a strong reducing agent

Ans: HNO3 is a strong reducing agent - Correct.

b. NaNO3 gives NO2 and O2 on heating.

Ans: NaNO3 gives NO2 and O2 on heating- Incorrect

NaNO3 gives NaNO2 and O2 on heating- Correct

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

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

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

Ans: Nitric acid remains colourless 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 NO2 and O2 on heating
is:

I. AgNO3
II. KNO3

III. Cu(NO3)2

IV. Zn(NO3)2

Solution: II. KNO3 is the nitrate salt which does not give a mixture of NO 2 and
O2 on heating.
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
colourless liquid burns into flame due to the formation of oxygen gas when the
glowing splinter is brought near.

2 KNO3 ⟶ 2 KNO2 + O2
Colourless Crystalline

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

I. CuSO4

II. FeSO4
III. Fe2(SO4)3
IV. ZnSO4

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Ans: II. The chemical used in the brown ring test is FeSO4.

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 FeSO4 + 3 H2SO4 + 2 HNO3 ⟶ 3 Fe2(SO4)3 + 4 H2SO4 + NO

FeSO4 + NO ⟶ FeSO4 . NO

[Nitroso Ferrous sulphate, a brown complex]

(c) Lead nitrate decomposes on heating to give:

I. NO

II. N2O
III. NO2

IV. N2O5
Ans: II. Lead nitrate decomposes on heating to give NO2.

Lead nitrate decomposes on heating to give lead oxide, nitrogen dioxide and
oxygen.

2 Pb(NO3)2 ⟶ 2 PbO + 4 NO2 + O2

Yellow solid

2. Name

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

Ans: A nitrate of metal which on heating does not give nitrogen dioxide is
sodium nitrate.

b) a nitrate which on heating leaves no residue behind.

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

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

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Ans: A metal nitrate which 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 which on heating is changed into metal oxide is mercury
nitrate.

e) a solution which absorbs nitric oxide.

Ans: A solution which absorbs nitric oxide is ferrous sulphate 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 which turns brown on exposure to air.

2 NO + O2 ⟶ NO2
Nitric Oxide Nitrogen Dioxide (brown gas)

Nitric oxide can be prepared during catalytic oxidation by platinum at 800C of

ammonia as shown below:

4 NH3 + 5 O2 ⟶ 4 NO + 6 H2O + Heat

Explanation:

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

2 NaNO3 ⟶ 2 NaNO2 + O2

2 KNO3 ⟶ 2 KNO2 + O2

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(NO3)2 ⟶ 2 CaO + 4 NO2 + O2

Brown gas

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2 Zn(NO3)2 ⟶ 2 ZnO + 4 NO2 + O2

2 Pb(NO3)2 ⟶ 2 PbO + 4 NO2 + O2

2 Cu(NO3)2 ⟶ 2 CuO + 4 NO2 + O2

● Silver and mercury nitrates decompose to give their respective metals

nitrogen dioxide and oxygen.

2 AgNO3 ⟶ 2 Ag + 2 NO2 + O2

2 Hg(NO3)2 ⟶ Hg + 2 NO2 + O2

● Ammonium nitrate decomposes explosively to give no residue as N2O gas

is evolved and water as steam evaporated leaving behind no residue.

2 NH4NO3 ⟶ N2O(g) + 2 H2O

Nitrous Oxide (Laughing gas)

● Ferrous sulphate solution absorbs nitric oxide to form nitroso ferrous

sulphate, a brown complex.

2 FeSO4 + H2O + NO ⟶ [Fe (H2O)NO]SO4

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 800C of ammonia.

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

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

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 2. Purification of gold Dissolves impurities such as Ag, Cu, Zn
etc. present in 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 is 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 FeSO4 + 3 H2SO4 + 2 HNO3 ⟶ 3Fe2(SO4)3 + 4 H2SO4 + NO

FeSO4 + NO ⟶ FeSO4. NO

[Nitroso Ferrous sulphate, a brown compound]

b. Why is 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
which matches the description given below:

Ammonium nitrate, calcium hydrogen carbonate, copper carbonate, lead

nitrate, potassium nitrate, sodium carbonate, sodium hydrogen carbonate,
zinc carbonate.

a. A substance which gives off only oxygen when heated.

Ans: Potassium nitrate gives off only oxygen when heated.

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

2 NaNO3 ⟶ 2 NaNO2 + O2

2 KNO3 ⟶ 2 KNO2 + O2

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

b. A substance which 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 NH4NO3 ⟶ N2O(g) + 2 H2O

Nitrous Oxide (Laughing gas)

c. A substance which 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(NO3)2 ⟶ 2 CaO + 4 NO2 + O2

Brown gas

2 Zn(NO3)2 ⟶ 2 ZnO + 4 NO2 + O2

2 Pb(NO3)2 ⟶ 2 PbO + 4
NO2 + O2

2 Cu(NO3)2 ⟶ 2 CuO + 4 NO2 + O2

d. A substance which on heating leaves yellow residue

Ans: Zinc carbonate on heating leaves yellow residue.

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Explanation:

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

ZnCO3 ⟶ ZnO + CO2 + O2

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 which 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(NO3)2], Y is nitrogen dioxide [NO2] and Z is

hydrogen sulphide [H2S].

b. Write equation for action of heat on X.

Ans: When copper nitrate [Cu(NO3)2] is heated, a brown color gas of nitrogen
dioxide NO2 with 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(NO3)2 ⟶ 2 CuO + 4 NO2 + O2

Reddish brown

c. Write equation between solution of X and gas Z.

Ans: Cu(NO3)2 + H2S ⟶ CuS + 2 HNO3

Explanation:

Salt of copper and their solution are blue in colour. Copper nitrate [Cu(NO3)2] is
a blue crystalline solid X, when heated, gives reddish brown NO2 gas, oxygen
gas which re-lights a glowing splint and leaves a black residue of CuO.

2 Cu(NO3)2 ⟶ 2 CuO + 4 NO2 + O2

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 Reddish brown

When a H2S gas, which has a rotten egg smell, is passed through a solution
of Cu(NO3)2, a black ppt. of CuS is formed.

2 Cu(NO3)2 + H2S ⟶ 2 CuS + 2 HNO3

Black ppt.

7. X. Y and Z are three crystalline solids which 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 has anion as nitrate which evolve
brown NO2 gas that intensify when copper turning added to the this acidified
mixture.

Metallic nitrates ⟶ Metallic Oxides + NO2 + O2

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 NaNO3 ⟶ 2 NaNO2 + O2

Slightly delinquisent

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KNO3 ⟶ KNO2 + O2

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 colourless crystalline solid when heated form a yellow
solid of lead oxide which fuses with glass and reddish brown nitrogen dioxide gas
is evolved along with oxygen.

2 Pb(NO3)2 ⟶ 2 PbO + 4 NO2 + O2

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 NH4NO3 ⟶ N2O(g) + 2 H2O

Nitrous Oxide (Laughing gas)

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

2 NH4NO3 + NaOH ⟶ NaNO3 + NH3 + H2O

e. Write the equations for the following reactions.

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(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 NaNO3 + H2SO4 ⟶ Na2SO4 + 2 HNO3

KNO3 + H2SO4 ⟶ KHSO4 + HNO3

(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(NO3)2 ⟶ 2 PbO + 4 NO2 + O2

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 evolved.

Cu + 4 HNO3 ⟶ Cu(NO3)2 + 2 H2O + 2 NO2

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.

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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 HNO3 ⟶ 3 Cu(NO3)2 + 4 H2O + 2 NO

3 Zn + 8 HNO3 ⟶ 3 Zn(NO3)2 + 4 H2O + 2 NO

3 Fe + 8 HNO3 ⟶ 3 Fe(NO3)2 + 4 H2O + 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. HNO3:

3 Cu + 8 HNO3 ⟶ 3 Cu(NO3)2 + 4 H2O + 2 NO

Reaction with conc.HNO3:

Cu + 4 HNO3 ⟶ 3 Cu(NO3)2 + 2 H2O + 2 NO2

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 HNO3 ⟶ O2 + 2 H2O + 2 NO2

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Due to the formation of brown NO2 gas, nitric acid turns yellowish in color
because of the dissolution of NO2 gas in HNO3.

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 HNO3 ⟶ O2 + 2 H2O + 2 NO2

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

concentrated nitric acid.

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

Cu + 4 HNO3 ⟶ Cu(NO3)2 + 2 H2O + 2 NO2

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.

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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 HNO3 ⟶ 3 Cu(NO3)2 + 2 H2O + 2 NO2

b. Complete the table:

Name of Process Inputs Equation Output

Ammonia + Air Nitric Acid

Ans:

Name
of Inputs Equation Output
Process
Ostwald Ammonia 4 NH3 + 5O2 ⟶ 4 NO + 6H2O + Nitric Acid
Process + Air Heat
2 NO + O2 ⟶ 2 NO2
4 NO2 + 2 H2O + O2 ⟶ 4 HNO3

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 HNO3 ⟶ H2SO4 + H2O + 6 NO2

(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.

Class X Chemistry www.vedantu.com 21

 2 Pb(NO3)2 ⟶ 2 PbO + 4 NO2 + O2

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 HNO3 ⟶ Cu(NO3)2 + 2 H2O + 2 NO2

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(NO3)2 ⟶ 2 ZnO + 4 NO2 + O2

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 oxidising action of the acid
is much reduced due to dilution of acid.

Mg + 2 HNO3 ⟶ Mg(NO3)2 + H2

(Very Dilute)

d. Iron is rendered passive with fuming HNO3.

Class X Chemistry www.vedantu.com 22

Ans: Iron forms a thin layer of insoluble iron oxide with fuming HNO 3 which
makes it passive (or inert).
e. Give balanced equation for dilute nitric acid and copper carbonate.

Ans: CuCO3 + 2 HNO3 ⟶ Cu(NO3)2 + H2O + CO2

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 HNO3 ⟶ H2SO4 + 2H2O + 6 NO2

ii) A few crystals of KNO3 are heated in a hard glass test tube.

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

2 KNO3 ⟶ 2 KNO2 + O2

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(NO3)2 ⟶ 2 PbO + 4 NO2 + O2

Yellow solid

c. Give a balanced equation for oxidation of carbon with conc. HNO3.

Ans: The balanced equation for oxidation of carbon with conc. HNO3 is:

C + 4 HNO3 ⟶ CO2 + 2 H2O + 4 NO2

Class X Chemistry www.vedantu.com 23

 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 HNO3 ⟶ 3 Cu(NO3)2 + 4 H2O + 4 NO

Nitric oxide

b. Give balanced equations for the following:

(i) Laboratory preparation of nitric acid.

Ans: KNO3 + H2SO4 ⟶ 2 KHSO4 + HNO3

Conc.

NaNO3 + H2SO4 ⟶ 2 NaHSO4 + HNO3

Conc.

Nitrate acid is prepared in the laboratory by heating the sodium or potassium

nitrate salt above 200C with concentrated sulphuric acid.
(ii) Action of heat on a mixture of copper and nitric acid.

Ans: Cu + 4 HNO3 ⟶ Cu(NO3)2 + 2 H2O + 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 HNO3 ⟶ H2SO4 + 2H2O + 6 NO2

Non-volatile Acid

Class X Chemistry www.vedantu.com 24

(ii) The acid which is prepared by catalytic oxidation of ammonia.

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

4 NH3 + 5 O2 ⟶ 4 NO + 6 H2O + Heat

2 NO + O2 ⟶ 2 NO2

4 NO2 + 2 H2O + O2 ⟶ 4 HNO3

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(NO3)2 ⟶ 2 CuO + 4 NO2 + O2

Reddish brown

c. Explain the following:

(i) Dil. HNO3 is generally considered a typical acid but not so in the reaction
with metals.
Ans: Generally acids react with metal to evolve hydrogen gas but not so for the
reaction of dil. HNO3 with metals because nitric acid acts as an oxidising agent
and oxidises the evolved hydrogen gas to water. Hence, dil. HNO 3 is not
considered a typical acid.

(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 HNO3 ⟶ O2 + 2 H2O + 2 NO2

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.

Class X Chemistry www.vedantu.com 25

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

Class X Chemistry www.vedantu.com 26