Question #e2e04

1 Answer
Apr 30, 2017

Nitric acid has at least two different reactions with silver, depending on its concentration.

Explanation:

If your concentration of nitric acid is high, it will react with silver accordingly:

Ag(s)+2HNO3(aq)4AgNO3(aq)+NO2(g)+H2O(l)

If the concentration of nitric acid is low, then this reaction will take place:

3Ag(s)+4HNO3(aq)3AgNO3(aq)+NO(g)+2H2O(l)

And if you noticed a yellow or brown gas being released, that's the nitrogen dioxide.

The white powder could be either copper or silver nitrate, as both are white solids.