HNO3 is a good oxidizing agent
Answers
Yes Nitric acid is a good and strong oxidizing agent. Nitric acid vigorously oxidises non-metals, metals, inorganic compounds and organic substances.
Nitric acid itself undergoes reduction to form different reduction products like NO, NO2, N2O, etc., These products depend on the acid concentration and the temperature of the reaction.
Oxidising properties are due to nascent oxygen which it gives on decomposition.
2HNO3(conc.)》on heating》2NO2+H2O+[O].
2HNO3(dil.)》》on heating》》2NO+H20+3[O].
Nitric acid is a powerful oxidizing agent and the nascent oxygen formed on decomposition oxidizes hydrogen to water.
This is the reason why it does not liberate hydrogen when treated with metals.
Under special conditions, when the metal is magnesium(Mg) or manganese(Mn) and the concentration of HNO3 is 1% that it liberates hydrogen.
Hope you find it useful.
Thank You.