Discover The 15 Incredible Facts On HNO3 + BeO Reaction

The reaction between HNO3 and BeO  is a reaction between a strong acid and base that undergo neutralization reaction giving salt and water. Let us see how HNO3 and BeO react.

HNO3  is a colourless liquid that undergoes autoionization giving nitrate ion (NO3) and nitronium ion (NO2)+. BeO is a white powder and is amphoteric in nature when freshly prepared.

This article deals with some facts about the reaction between HNO3 and BeOand its properties.

What is the product of HNO3 and BeO?

Beryllium nitrate (Be(NO3)2 and water (H2O) are produced when HNO3 reacts with amphoteric beryllium oxide (BeO).

2HNO3 + BeO = Be(NO3)2 + H2O

What type of reaction is HNO3 and BeO?

HNO3 and BeO is an acid base neutralisation reaction involving double displacement along with precipitation of beryllium nitrate ( Be(NO3)2 which is a salt of strong acid and strong base.

How to balance HNO3 and BeO

The HNO3 and BeO equation is balanced by following the steps –

  • The unbalanced equation between is written as follows : HNO3 + BeO = Be(NO3)2 + H2O
  • In order to balance the H atoms that is 1 on the left hand side and 2 on right hand side, multiply HNO3 with 2 on the reactant side and the complete balanced equation can be written as : 2HNO3 + BeO = Be(NO3)2 + H2O

HNO3 and BeO Titration

The titration between HNO3 and BeO involves titration of strong  acid with a basic oxide.

Appartus used –

  • Graduated burette
  • Conical flask
  • Volumetric flask
  • Burette Stand
  • Beakers
  • Graduated pipette

Titre and Titrant –

  • Titrant is a substance having known concentration. In this HNO3 and BeO titration, BeO is used as a titrant.
  • Titre or analyte is a substance whose concentration is to be determined. In this reaction, HNO3 is used as a titre.

Procedure –

  • White powder of BeO is weighed and a standard solution of BeO is prepared in the volumetric flask.
  • Unknown diluted solution of HNO3 is filled in the burette and clamped to the stand.
  • A known volume of BeO is taken in the conical flask and phenolphthalein is added as the indicator which is then titrated with drops of BeO from the burette.
  • The change in colour of phenolphthalein from colourless to pink shows the end point of titration.

HNO3 and BeO Net Ionic equation

The net ionic equation for the reaction between HF and Zn(OH)2 is written as –

2H+(aq) + 2NO32-(aq) + BeO(s) = Be(NO3)2 (s) + H2O(l)

The steps to write the net ionic equation are as follows-

  • Write the state symbols for each substance and then split the electrolytes into ions-

2H+(aq) + 2NO32- (aq) + BeO(s) = Be(NO3)2 (s) + H2O(l)

  • As there are no spectator ions on both sides of the complete ionic equation the net ionic equation will be written as-

2H+(aq) + 2NO32-(aq) + BeO(s) = Be(NO3)2 (s) + H2O(l)

HNO3 and BeO Conjugate pairs

In the reaction between HNO3 and BeO, there are two pairs of conjugates which differ by a proton.

  • Conjugate base of HNO3= NO3-
  • Conjugate acid of H2O = OH –   

HNO3 and BeO intermolecular forces

The reaction HNO3 + BeO has following intermolecular forces

HNO3 and BeO Reaction enthalpy

The enthalpy of reaction for HNO3 and BeO is -41 kJ/ mol. The enthalpy of formation is given as –

  • Enthaply of formation of HNO3 = -173.1kJ/mole
  • Enthaply of formation of BeO = – 599 kJ/ mol
  • Enthalpy of formation of Be(NO3)2 = -700.4 kJ/mol
  • Enthalpy of formation of H2O = – 285.8 kJ/mol
  • Reaction enthalpy (ΔHf) = Standard enthalpy of formation (product – reactant)

Thus, ΔHf = [(-700.4) + (-285.8)] – [2*(-173.1) + (-599)]
ΔHf = [ -986.2] – [-945.2]
ΔHf = – 41 kJ/mol

Is HNO3 + BeO a Buffer solution?

The reaction between HF and Zn(OH)2  does not form a buffer solution as HNO3 is a strong acid and dissociates completely in solution.

Is HNO3 + BeO a Complete reaction?

The reaction between HNO3 and BeO is a complete reaction and proceeds in one direction only as resulting into the formation of beryllium nitrate  and water.

Is HNO3 + BeO an Exothermic reaction or Endothermic reaction?

HNO3 + BeO is an exothermic reaction as it has negative enthalpy of reaction.

Is HNO3 + BeO a Redox reaction?

The reaction between HNO3 and BeO is not a redox reaction as the oxidation states of different elements does not change as the reactants convert into products.

Is HNO3 + BeO a Precipitation reaction?

HNO3 + BeO is a precipitation reaction that forms solid white precipitate of beryllium nitrate (Be(NO3)2) which slightly soluble in water.

Is HNO3 + BeO a reversible or an irreversible reaction?

 The reaction between HNO3 and BeO is an irreversible reaction leading to the complete formation of products at the end of the reaction.

Is HNO3 + BeO a Displacement reaction?

The reaction  between HNO3 and BeO  is a double displacement reaction where oxide ion in beryllium oxide is displaced by nitrate ion in HNO3 and H+ ion combines with oxide ion forming water.

Conclusion –

The reaction between HNO3 and BeO serves as a good example of a strong acid reacting with an amphoteric oxide which behaves as a base. This reaction cannot be used to determine the relative strength of HNO3.