Question

(10 Points)What element is oxidized in the following reaction?

HNO3 + Cu yields Cu(NO3)2 + NO2 + H2O


N
O
Cu
H

Answer 1

Cu

Step-by-step explanation:

HNO₃ is a strong oxidizing agent. It oxidizes the copper metal to copper ions while it is reduced to NO₂ and water.

The oxidation number of copper increases from 0 to +2

Therefore it is a redox reaction.