Q20Short answer
Nitric acid is an oxidising agent and reacts with PbO but it does not react with PbO2. Explain why? 107 Redox Reactions
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PbO is a basic oxide and simple acid base reaction takes place between PbO and HNO3. On the other hand in PbO2 lead is in + 4 oxidation state and cannot be oxidised further. Therefore no reaction takes place. Thus, PbO2 is passive, only PbO reacts with HNO3. 2PbO + 4HNO3 2Pb (NO3)2 + 2H2O (Acid base reaction)