Question

In the reaction: (PA + HNO₃ → H₃PO₄ + NO₂ + H₂O),

a) P₄ is reduced
b) HNO₃ is Oxidised
c) P4 is oxidising agent
d) HNO₃ is oxidising agent

Answer 1

In the given reaction, HNO₃ is oxidized and serves as the oxidizing agent, while P₄ is not reduced and is not an oxidizing or reducing agent.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the reaction: PA + HNO₃ → H₃PO₄ + NO₂ + H₂O, the HNO₃ is oxidized. This is because the oxidation state of nitrogen increases from +5 in HNO₃ to +4 in NO₂.

The oxidizing agent is the species that causes oxidation, and in this case, HNO₃ is the oxidizing agent.

On the other hand, P₄ is not involved in any oxidation or reduction process in this reaction, so it is not reduced and is not an oxidizing or reducing agent.