Copper sulphate is prepared by blowing a current of air through copper scrap and dilute `H_(2)SO_(4).` Dilute `HNO_(3)` is also added:

Options

A. to oxidize copper to `Cu^(2+)` which then form `CuSO_(4)` with dilute `H_(2)SO_(4)`
B. to oxidise `Fe^(2+)` to ion (III) sulphate, which remains in solution after crystallisation of `CuSO_(4)`
C. to speed up the ionisation of `H_(2)SO_(4)` to give `SO_(4)^(2-)` ions
D. Which combines with `H_(2)SO_(4)` to give a very strong oxidising mixture and oxidise Cu to `Cu^(2+)`

Answer

A