Question

Decide whether or not each of the following metals dissolves in 1 M HNO3. For those metals that do dissolve, write a balanced redox reaction showing what happens when the metal dissolves.

Part A

Co

Express your answer as a chemical equation. Enter noreaction if there is no reaction. Identify all of the phases in your answer.

Part B

Al

Express your answer as a chemical equation. Identify all of the phases in your answer

Answer 1

Part A

Co will dissolve in 1 M HNO₃.

The balanced chemical equation with the phases is

3Co (s) + 8HNO₃ (aq) $\rightarrow$ 3 Co(NO₃)₂ (aq) + 2 NO (g) + 4 H₂O (l)

Part B

Al will not dissolve in 1 M HNO₃.

This because HNO₃ being a strong oxidizing agent oxidizes the upper layer of aluminium metal to Al₂O₃.  Al₂O₃ prevents any further reaction of Al with HNO₃​​​​​​​.

Al (s) + HNO₃ (aq) $\rightarrow$ No reaction