Metallic copper does not react with hydrochloric acid, but is oxidized by nitric

Question

Metallic copper does not react with hydrochloric acid, but is oxidized by nitric acid since the nitrate ion functions as the oxidizing agent in acidic solutions. If NO and Cu^2+ are formed as products, and the reaction is carried out under standard conditions, E^0 for the reaction of copper metal with nitric acid will be: A) +0.44 V B) +0.62 V c) +0.78 V D) +0.96 V HNO_3 (aq) + H_2O (l) rightharpoonoverleftharpoon NO^-_3 (aq) + H_3O^+ (aq) Cu(s) + NO^-_3 (aq) rightharpoonoverleftharpoon NO(g) + Cu^2+ (aq)

Explanation / Answer

NO 3 - (aq) + 4H + (aq) + 3e - NO(g) + 2H 2O(l)        E0 =   +0.96 reduction at cathode

Cu2+(aq) + 2e - Cu(s)                                                   E0   = +0.34 oxidation at anode

E0cell = E0(cathode) – E0(anode) =0.96 -0.34 = 0.62 V

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