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⁺(aq) + NO₃^-(aq) + 4 Cl^-(aq) → [AuCl₄]^-(aq) + 2 H₂O(l) + NO(g)

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The oxidizing agent in the reaction is $NO_3^-$ (nitrate ion), as it is responsible for oxidizing the gold (Au) to its ionic form $Au^{3+}$, while itself getting reduced to NO.

Gold Does Not React with Either Nitric Acid or Hydrochloric