When a piece of copper foil is added into a test tube containing concentrated nitric acid in a fume cupboard, a series of reactions occur.
Firstly, the nitric acid, being a strong oxidizing agent, reacts with the copper metal to form copper nitrate and nitrogen dioxide gas. The chemical equation for this reaction is:
Cu + 4HNO3 -> Cu(NO3)2 + 2NO2 + 2H2O
The copper nitrate (Cu(NO3)2) formed is soluble in water, so it dissolves in the remaining nitric acid in the test tube.
Simultaneously, the nitrogen dioxide gas that is produced is released into the fume cupboard. Nitrogen dioxide is a red-brown gas with an irritating odor and is also a toxic substance. Therefore, conducting this experiment in a fume cupboard ensures proper ventilation and safety.
Overall, the addition of copper foil to concentrated nitric acid generates copper nitrate while liberating nitrogen dioxide gas.
Describe what happens when a piece of copper foil is added into a test tube containing concentrated nitric acid in a fume cupboard.
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