Copper reacts with dil. `HNO_3` to form a nitrate and

Options

A. `NO_2`
B. `NO`
C. `N_2 O_3`
D. `N_2 O_5`

Explanation

To solve the question regarding the reaction of copper with dilute nitric acid (HNO₃), we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Identify the Reactants
The reactants in this reaction are copper (Cu) and dilute nitric acid (HNO₃).

### Step 2: Write the Reaction
When copper reacts with dilute nitric acid, it typically forms copper nitrate (Cu(NO₃)₂) and a nitrogen oxide gas. The nitrogen oxide can vary depending on the concentration of the nitric acid and the temperature, but in the case of dilute nitric acid, it primarily forms nitric oxide (NO).

### Step 3: Write the Balanced Chemical Equation
The balanced chemical equation for the reaction is:
\[ 3 \text{Cu} + 8 \text{HNO}_3 \rightarrow 3 \text{Cu(NO}_3\text{)}_2 + 2 \text{NO} + 4 \text{H}_2\text{O} \]

### Step 4: Identify the Products
From the balanced equation, we can see that the products formed are:
- Copper nitrate (Cu(NO₃)₂)
- Nitric oxide (NO)
- Water (H₂O)

### Step 5: Conclusion
Thus, when copper reacts with dilute nitric acid, it produces copper nitrate and nitric oxide (NO). Therefore, the correct answer to the question is NO.