Q.

Predict the metal when 2 mL each of concentrated HCl, HNO3 and a mixture of concentrated HCl and concentrated HNO3 in the ratio of 3:1 were taken in test tubes labelled as A, B, and C. A small piece of metal was put in each test tube. No change occurred in test tubes A and B but the metal got dissolved in test tube C.

1 Al  
2 Au  
3 Cu  
4 Pt  

Ans.

(2)

Aqua regia is a mixture of three parts concentrated HCl and one part concentrated HNO3 (3:1). Gold (Au) is a noble metal that does not dissolve in dilute acids but dissolves in aqua regia. Hence, the metal in test tube C is gold.