What is oxidized in the reaction represented by the following equation? 3CU + 8HNO3 → 3Cu(NO3)2 + 2NO + 4H2O

Answer Details

In the given reaction, copper is oxidized because its oxidation state increases from 0 in Cu to +2 in Cu(NO3)2. Oxidation is defined as the loss of electrons or an increase in oxidation state. Here, copper loses electrons and its oxidation state increases, hence it is oxidized. Therefore, the correct answer is copper.