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Copper Penny with Nitric Acid

The reaction of a copper penny and concentrated nitric acid is shown. Red-brown nitrogen dioxide is generated and some of the copper dissolves to form a blue solution of copper(II) nitrate, Cu(NO₃)₂.

Cu(s) + 4 H⁺(aq) + 4 NO₃⁻(aq)→
Cu²⁺(aq) + 2 NO₃⁻ + 2 NO₂(g) + 2 H₂O(l)

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