Assertion (A): `HNO_(3)` acts only as an oxidising agent, while `HNO_(2)` acts both as an oxidising agnet and a reducing agent.
Reason (R ): The oxidation number of `N` in `HNO_(3)` is mximum.

Options

A. If both `(A)` and `(R )` are correct and `(R )` is the correct explanation of `(A)`.
B. If both `(A)` and `(R )` are correct but `(R )` is not the correct explanation of `(A)`.
C. If `(A)` is correct but `(R )` is incorrect.
D. If `(A)` and `(R )` are incorrect.

Answer

A

Explanation

Both `(A)` and `(R )` are correct and `(R )` is the correct explanation for `(A)` since the oxidation number of `N` in `HNO_(3)` is maximum `(+5)` , therefore, it can only decrease. Hence, `HNO_(3)` acts as an oxidising agent.
In `HNO_(2)`, the oxidation number of `N` is `+3`, so it can increase by losing electrons or can decrease by accepting electrons. Therefore, `HNO_(2)` acats both as an oxidising as wll as a reducing agent.