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Chapter 22: Problem 46

Explain why nitric acid can be reduced but not oxidized.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Nitric acid cannot be oxidized because it is a strong oxidizing agent, meaning Nitrogen in nitric acid is already in its highest oxidation state (+5). However, it can be reduced by accepting electrons, which leads to a decrease in its oxidation state.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding Concepts of Oxidation and Reduction

In simple words, oxidation is gain of oxygen or loss of hydrogen or loss of electrons while reduction is loss of oxygen or gain of hydrogen or gain of electrons. Increase in oxidation state indicates oxidation while decrease in oxidation state refers to reduction.
02

Understanding Oxidation State in Nitric Acid

Analyze the structure of Nitric Acid (HNO3). Counting the oxidation state of nitrogen in HNO3, it is +5. As Nitrogen is in its highest oxidation state in Nitric acid, it means Nitric acid is fully oxidized hence it cannot be further oxidized.
03

Understanding Reduction of Nitric Acid

Reduction involves decrease in oxidation state. Since Nitrogen is in its highest oxidation state in Nitric acid, it can be reduced to a lower oxidation state by accepting electrons.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

(a) Which of the following compounds has the greatest ionic character: \(\mathrm{PCl}_{5}, \mathrm{SiCl}_{4}, \mathrm{CCl}_{4}, \mathrm{BCl}_{3} ?\) (b) Which of the following ions has the smallest ionic radius: \(\mathrm{F}^{-}, \mathrm{C}^{4-}, \mathrm{N}^{3-}, \mathrm{O}^{2-} ?(\mathrm{c})\) Which of the following atoms has the highest ionization energy: \(\mathrm{F}, \mathrm{Cl}, \mathrm{Br}, \mathrm{I} ?(\mathrm{~d})\) Which of the following oxides is most acidic: \(\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}, \mathrm{SiO}_{2}, \mathrm{CO}_{2} ?\)

What is coal?

Give an account of the various kinds of oxides that exist and illustrate each type by two examples.

Write balanced equations for the preparation of sodium nitrite by heating (a) sodium nitrate, (b) sodium nitrate with carbon.

Sodium hydroxide is hygroscopic-that is, it absorbs moisture when exposed to the atmosphere. A student placed a pellet of \(\mathrm{NaOH}\) on a watch glass. A few days later, she noticed that the pellet was covered with a white solid. What is the identity of this solid? (Hint: Air contains \(\mathrm{CO}_{2}\).)
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