What is the composition of aqua regia?a)1:3 of HCl and HNO3b)1:3 of HN...
Aqua regia is a highly corrosive mixture used to dissolve noble metals such as gold and platinum. It is composed of a 1:3 ratio of nitric acid (HNO3) and hydrochloric acid (HCl).
1. Composition:
Aqua regia is made by combining 1 part nitric acid with 3 parts hydrochloric acid. This means that for every 1 unit of nitric acid, 3 units of hydrochloric acid are added. The resulting mixture is a clear, yellow-orange liquid.
2. Nitric Acid (HNO3):
Nitric acid is a strong acid that is commonly used in laboratory settings. It is a clear, colorless liquid with a pungent odor. Nitric acid is highly corrosive and reactive, making it an effective component of aqua regia. It is capable of oxidizing metals, including gold and platinum, which allows them to be dissolved in the mixture.
3. Hydrochloric Acid (HCl):
Hydrochloric acid is another strong acid commonly used in laboratory and industrial applications. It is a clear, colorless liquid with a sharp, pungent odor. Hydrochloric acid is highly corrosive and reactive, making it an important component of aqua regia. It aids in the dissolution of metals by providing chloride ions, which help to remove any passivating oxide layers on the metal surfaces.
4. Reactivity:
The combination of nitric acid and hydrochloric acid in aqua regia creates a highly reactive mixture. The nitric acid acts as an oxidizing agent, while the hydrochloric acid provides chloride ions. This combination allows aqua regia to dissolve noble metals by oxidizing them and forming soluble metal chlorides.
5. Safety Considerations:
It is important to note that aqua regia is extremely corrosive and should be handled with caution. It can cause severe burns and release toxic fumes when in contact with organic materials. Proper safety precautions, such as wearing gloves, goggles, and a lab coat, should be followed when working with aqua regia.
In conclusion, aqua regia is composed of a 1:3 ratio of nitric acid and hydrochloric acid. This highly corrosive mixture is used to dissolve noble metals for various applications.
What is the composition of aqua regia?a)1:3 of HCl and HNO3b)1:3 of HN...
Aqua regia also known as royal water is a yellow-orange mixture of concentrated nitric acid and hydrochloric acid in the ratio 1:3. It is used by an alchemist to dissolve noble metals like gold and silver.