Hydrogen is not liberated when trioxonitrate(v)acid reacts with zinc because

  • A zinx is not rendered passive by acid
  • B hydrogen produced is oxidized to water
  • C oxides of nitrogen are produced
  • D all nitrates are soluble in water
  • E trioxonitrate(v)acid is a strong acid
jamb 1985chemistry

The correct answer is B. hydrogen produced is oxidized to water

When metals react with nitric acid, hydrogen gas is liberated. Nitric acid is a very strong oxidizing agent. So , it oxidizes the hydrogen gas formed during the reaction to form water and an oxide of nitrogen.

\(Zn+4HNO_{3} \to Zn(NO_{3})_{2} + 2NO_{2} + 2H_{2}O\)

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