Nitric acid acts as an oxidising agent while nitrous acid can act both as an oxidising as well as reducing agent ?

Explanation

To understand why nitric acid (HNO3) acts as an oxidizing agent while nitrous acid (HNO2) can act as both an oxidizing and reducing agent, we need to analyze the oxidation states of nitrogen in these acids and their respective chemical behaviors.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Oxidation States**:
- For **Nitric Acid (HNO3)**:
- The oxidation state of nitrogen can be calculated as follows:
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