Gold does not react with either nitric acid or hydrochloric acid but with a combination of both called aqua regia. Identify the oxidizing agent in the following equation: Au(s) + 4 H⁺ + NO₃^- + 4 Cl- → [AuCl₄]^- + 2 H₂O + NO(g) A) Au B) H⁺ C) NO₃^- D) Cl- E) NO₃^-and H⁺

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In the given equation, the oxidizing agent is responsible for the oxidation of Au to AuCl4-. Nitric acid (represented by NO in the equation) is a strong oxidizing agent and it is responsible for the oxidation of gold in aqua regia. Therefore, the correct choice is C, NO₃^-.

Gold Does Not React with Either Nitric Acid or Hydrochloric