How do you classify this reaction? 8HNO_3 (aq) + 3 Cu (s) + O_2 (g) -> 3Cu(NO_3)_2 (aq) + 4H_2O + 2NO_2 (g)8HNO3(aq)+3Cu(s)+O2(g)→3Cu(NO3)2(aq)+4H2O+2NO2(g)

1 Answer
anor277
Aug 15, 2017

This is CLEARLY a redox process, which we represent by invoking electrons as virtual particles........I do not think dioxygen is a reasonable reactant.

Explanation:

Copper is oxidized up to cupric ion, Cu^(2+)Cu2+:

Cu(s) rarr Cu^(2+) + 2e^(-)Cu(s)→Cu2++2e− (i)(i)

Nitrate ion N(V)N(V) is REDUCED to NO_2(g)NO2(g), N(IV)N(IV):

NO_3^(-) +2H^(+) +e ^(-) rarr NO_2 +H_2ONO−3+2H++e−→NO2+H2O (ii)(ii)

We take (i) + 2xx(ii)(i)+2×(ii) to give......

Cu(s) + 2NO_3^(-) +4H^(+) +cancel(2e ^(-)) rarr Cu^(2+) + cancel(2e^(-))+2NO_2 +2H_2O

And cancel out the common reagents......

Cu + 2NO_3^(-) +4H^(+) rarr Cu^(2+) +2NO_2 +2H_2O

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