Acids and Bases- Nitric Acid Acts on Copper

Nitric Acid Acts on Copper

Description: The reaction between concentrated nitric acid and copper pennies produces red-brown nitrogen dioxide and dissolves the copper to form a blue solution. The gas may be led into a large container of water to show that it turns the water acidic.

This demonstration is also available on video and JCE “Chemistry Comes Alive!”  Vol. 3 CD-Rom.

Source: Shakhashiri, B.Z. Chemical Demonstrations: A Handbook for Teachers of Chemistry

Year: 1983 Vol: 1  Page: 14

Keywords: Nitric acid,  Copper,  Nitrogen dioxide, Oxidation, Reduction, Redox

Rating:

Hazard: High

• Produces poisonous gas
• Skin corrosion hazard
• Acute toxicity hazard – oral , dermal
• Inhalation hazard
• Aquatic toxicity hazard
• Serious eye damage
• Electric shock hazard if display is used
• Oxidizer

Effectiveness: Good

• Clearly observable by audience without guidance
• Average connection from demo to course material
• Mild effects are seen by audience
• Time to results is medium
• High reliability

Difficulty: Medium

• Some intermediate steps to results
• Handling of toxic reagents
• Prior training recommended
• Manipulations are simple for most to perform

Safety Precautions:

• Eye protection required
• Gloves required
• Lab coat recommended
• Downdraft or fume hood required
• Sodium bicarbonate on hand
• Use of chemically resistant surface required
• Use of UL approved three-prong plug and outlet if display is used
• Prevent release of reagents to the environment

Class: Redox Reactions, Gas Producing Reactions

Division: General

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