Which of the following metal produces nitrous oxide with dil. `HNO_(3)`?

Options

A. `Fe`
B. `Zn`
C. `Cu`
D. `Ag`

Explanation

To determine which metal produces nitrous oxide (N₂O) when reacting with dilute nitric acid (HNO₃), we will analyze the reactions of the given metals: Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu), Iron (Fe), and Silver (Ag) with dilute HNO₃.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Metals**: The metals given in the question are Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu), Iron (Fe), and Silver (Ag).

2. **Understand the Reaction with Dilute HNO₃**:
- When metals react with dilute nitric acid, they typically produce a salt, water, and gases. The nature of the gas produced depends on the metal and the concentration of the nitric acid.
- Dilute nitric acid generally produces nitrogen oxides (NO, NO₂) or nitrous oxide (N₂O) depending on the metal's reactivity.

3. **Reactivity of Metals**:
- **Zinc (Zn)**: Zinc is a more electropositive metal and can react with dilute HNO₃ to produce nitrous oxide (N₂O) under certain conditions.
- **Copper (Cu)**: Copper does not react with dilute HNO₃ to produce nitrous oxide; it typically produces copper nitrate and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂).
- **Iron (Fe)**: Iron also does not produce nitrous oxide with dilute HNO₃; it generally produces iron nitrate and nitrogen oxides.
- **Silver (Ag)**: Silver is less reactive and does not react with dilute HNO₃ to produce nitrous oxide.

4. **Conclusion**: Among the given metals, only Zinc (Zn) produces nitrous oxide (N₂O) when reacting with dilute nitric acid.

### Final Answer:
The metal that produces nitrous oxide with dilute HNO₃ is **Zinc (Zn)**.

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