Skip to main content
Ch.20 - Electrochemistry
Chapter 20, Problem 59

Determine whether or not each metal dissolves in 1 M HNO3. For those metals that do dissolve, write a balanced redox reaction showing what happens when the metal dissolves. a. Cu b. Au

Verified Solution

Video duration:
4m
This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.
Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Redox Reactions

Redox reactions involve the transfer of electrons between substances, leading to changes in oxidation states. In these reactions, one species is oxidized (loses electrons) while another is reduced (gains electrons). Understanding redox processes is crucial for predicting how metals interact with acids, such as nitric acid (HNO3), which can act as both an oxidizing agent and a source of protons.
Recommended video:
Guided course
03:12
Identifying Redox Reactions

Metal Reactivity

The reactivity of metals is determined by their ability to lose electrons and form cations. This property is influenced by factors such as ionization energy and electronegativity. In the context of HNO3, more reactive metals will dissolve readily, while less reactive metals, like copper (Cu), may not react significantly unless specific conditions are met.
Recommended video:
Guided course
03:12
Transition Metals

Balanced Chemical Equations

A balanced chemical equation represents a chemical reaction with equal numbers of each type of atom on both sides of the equation. Balancing is essential to accurately depict the conservation of mass and charge during a reaction. For metals dissolving in acids, writing a balanced equation helps illustrate the stoichiometry of the reactants and products involved in the redox process.
Recommended video:
Guided course
01:32
Balancing Chemical Equations