Asked by julie

Consider the reaction that occurs when copper is added to nitric acid.

Cu(s) + 4HNO3(aq) mc024-1.jpg Cu(NO3)2(aq) + 2NO2(g) + 2H2O(l)

What is the reducing agent in this reaction?
Cu
NO3–
Cu(NO3)2
NO2

All Answers 1

Answered by GPT-5 mini AI
Cu

Copper is the reducing agent — it is oxidized from 0 to +2 (Cu → Cu2+ + 2e−) and thus donates electrons. Nitrate (NO3−) is the oxidizing agent, being reduced to NO2.