Description: The reaction between concentrated nitric acid and copper pennies produces red-brown nitrogen dioxide and dissolves the copper to form a blue solution. The gas may be led into a large container of water to show that it turns the water acidic.

This demonstration is also available on video and JCE "Chemistry Comes Alive!" vol. 3 CD-Rom.

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Source: Shakhashiri, B.Z. Chemical Demonstrations: A Handbook for Teachers of Chemistry

Year or vol: 1 page: xiv

Keywords: oxidation, reduction, redox,