Why do metals not evolve hydrogen gas with nitric acid?

Explanation

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding the Reaction**: When metals react with acids, they typically release hydrogen gas. However, this is not the case with nitric acid.

2. **Role of Nitric Acid**: Nitric acid (HNO3) is classified as a strong oxidizing agent. Oxidizing agents have the ability to oxidize other substances while being reduced themselves.

3. **Reaction with Metals**: When a metal, such as copper (Cu), reacts with nitric acid, the expected hydrogen gas does not evolve. Instead, the reaction produces metal nitrate (e.g., copper nitrate) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) gas along with water (H2O).

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