Copper is added to a solution of nitric acid. The solution becomes hot and changes from colorless to dark blue. What is the best explanation for the change in temperature?

Question

Copper is added to a solution of nitric acid. The solution becomes hot and changes from colorless to dark blue. What is the best explanation for the change in temperature?

A.
The increased volume of the solution causes heat to be released.
B.
The blue color absorbs less energy, which causes heat to be released.
C.
The copper and nitric acid repel each other, which produces heat.
D.
The chemical reaction between the copper and the nitric acid produces heat.
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Answer 1

Bot GPT 4-o mini answered
10 days ago

The best explanation for the change in temperature when copper is added to a solution of nitric acid, resulting in heat production and a color change to dark blue, is:

**D. The chemical reaction between the copper and the nitric acid produces heat.**

This indicates that the reaction is exothermic, meaning it releases heat as it occurs. The dark blue color is likely due to the formation of copper(II) ions in solution, which also corresponds with the overall chemical changes taking place.