Chemistry: Net ionic equation of Fe,Cu,Zn with HCL

    im given an experiment on reactivity series and required to write net ionic equation in the results.. im kinda stuck in this reaction.. between this 3 metal.. iron, copper, and zinc.. reacting with nitric acid..

    2. Relevant equations
    the reaction was carried out with HCL also.. and these are the ionic equations i get.
    Fe + 2 H+ = Fe + H₂
    no reaction for copper.
    Zn + 2 H+ = Zn + H₂

    3. The attempt at a solution
    well.. as far as i know.. copper wont react with nitric acid.. cos Cu is lower than H in the reactivity series.. but during experiment.. the Cu reacted and the solution turn blue.. this means copper is reacted.. so im lost now..

    can anyone give the solution for it?? the ionic equations..
  2. jcsd
  3. It's a redox reaction.
    NO3− + 2 H+ + e− ⇄ NO2 + H2O E=+0.80V
    Cu2+ + 2 e− ⇄ Cu(s) E=+0.34V
    Hence, the nitrate ion is able to oxidise the Cu to Cu2+ ion.
  4. Borek

    Staff: Mentor

    Balancing redox reactions can be a little bit tricky - but is perfectly doable.

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