Which one of the following statements is true for `HNO_(2)`

Options

A. It is very stable in aqueous solution
B. It cannot act both as an oxidant and as a reductant
C. It cannot act as an oxidizing agent
D. It cannot act as reducing agent

Answer

To determine which statement is true for HNO₂ (nitrous acid), we will analyze its properties and behavior step by step.

### Step 1: Stability of HNO₂ in Aqueous Solution
HNO₂ is known to be relatively stable in aqueous solution. It does not decompose significantly under normal conditions.

**Hint:** Consider the behavior of acids in water and their tendency to dissociate or remain intact.

### Step 2: Decomposition of HNO₂
When HNO₂ is in solution, it can decompose into nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and nitric oxide (NO). This decomposition indicates that HNO₂ can break down into other nitrogen oxides.

**Hint:** Think about the products formed when acids decompose and how that relates to their stability.

### Step 3: Oxidation States of Nitrogen
Next, we need to analyze the oxidation states of nitrogen in HNO₂ and its decomposition products:
- In HNO₂, nitrogen has an oxidation state of +3.
- In NO₂, nitrogen has an oxidation state of +4.
- In NO, nitrogen has an oxidation state of +2.

**Hint:** Recall how to determine oxidation states based on the charges of the atoms involved.

### Step 4: Reducing and Oxidizing Agent Behavior
From the oxidation states, we can conclude:
- HNO₂ can act as a reducing agent because it can be oxidized (its nitrogen goes from +3 to +4).
- HNO₂ can also act as an oxidizing agent because it can reduce other substances (its nitrogen can go from +3 to +2).

**Hint:** Consider the definitions of oxidizing and reducing agents in terms of electron transfer.

### Conclusion
Based on the analysis, the true statement about HNO₂ is that it is stable in aqueous solution and can act as both an oxidizing and reducing agent, but it primarily acts as a reducing agent in many reactions.

**Final Answer:** The true statement for HNO₂ is that it is stable in aqueous solution.