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 both compounds.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Compounds**:
- We have two acids: Nitric acid (HNO3) and Nitrous acid (HNO2).

2. **Determine the Oxidation State of Nitrogen in Nitric Acid (HNO3)**:
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