Same chapter3 marksDifficulty: Medium
Give two examples showing that concentrated nitric acid is a powerful oxidising agent.
Study of Compounds: Nitric Acid
3 marksDifficulty: Medium
Why does aluminium not react with concentrated nitric acid?
Original Khojo Papers practice question — not from a past board paper.
Answer
Concentrated nitric acid oxidises the surface of the aluminium and forms a thin, continuous and unreactive layer of aluminium oxide over it. This layer prevents the acid from reaching the metal underneath, so the metal becomes passive.
No citable source has been recorded for this record. Treat it as practice material, not as fact.
Explanation
Iron and chromium are rendered passive in the same way, which is why concentrated nitric acid can be carried in aluminium containers.
Related questions
From the same topic and chapter, at a similar level.
Same chapter2 marksDifficulty: Medium
State two large-scale uses of nitric acid.
Study of Compounds: Nitric Acid
Same chapter3 marksDifficulty: Medium
Write the equation for the laboratory preparation of nitric acid and state why an all-glass apparatus is used.
Study of Compounds: Nitric Acid
Same chapter3 marksDifficulty: Medium
Why does concentrated nitric acid turn yellow on standing, and how can the colour be removed?
Study of Compounds: Nitric Acid
Same chapter3 marksDifficulty: Medium
Describe the brown ring test for a nitrate.
Study of Compounds: Nitric Acid
Same chapter3 marksDifficulty: Medium
Write the equation for the reaction of dilute nitric acid with copper and name the gas evolved.
Study of Compounds: Nitric Acid