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Explain why HNO(3) acts only as oxidisin...

Explain why `HNO_(3)` acts only as oxidising agent while `HNO_(2)` can act both as a reducing agent and an oxiding agent?

Text Solution

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Nitrogen can have oxidation number from -3 to +5. The oxidation number of nitrogen in `HNO_(3)` is +5. Thus, increase in oxidation number beyond +5 cannot occur. Hence, `HNO_(3)` cannot act as reducing agent. The oxidation number of nitrogen in `HNO_(3)` can only decreasel thus it acts as an oxidising agent. In `HNO_(3)` the oxidation number of nitrogen is +3. Thus, it can increase or decrease within the range -3 to +5. Hence it can act as an oxidising as well as reducing agent.
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Explain the following : (a) An acidified K_2 Cr_2 O_7 paper turns green when exposed to SO_2 . (b) H_2 S acts only as reducing agent while SO_2 can act both as a reducing agent and an oxidising agent. (c) SO_2 acts as a bleaching agent. (d) Sugar turns black on addition of conc. H_2 SO_4 . (e) Ozone destroys mercury meniscus. (f) SF_6 is known, but SH_6 is not known.

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Knowledge Check

  • Which can act as a reducing agent ?

    A
    `HNO_(3)`
    B
    `H_(2)SO_(4)`
    C
    `H_(2)S`
    D
    `KMnO_(4)`
  • Assertion (A): HNO_(3) acts only as an oxidising agent, while HNO_(2) acts both as an oxidising agnet and a reducing agent. Reason (R ): The oxidation number of N in HNO_(3) is mximum.

    A
    If both `(A)` and `(R )` are correct and `(R )` is the correct explanation of `(A)`.
    B
    If both `(A)` and `(R )` are correct but `(R )` is not the correct explanation of `(A)`.
    C
    If `(A)` is correct but `(R )` is incorrect.
    D
    If `(A)` and `(R )` are incorrect.
  • Which substance can act only as a reducing agent ?

    A
    `I_(2)`
    B
    `BrCl`
    C
    `NaBr`
    D
    `HIO_(4)`
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