Question on special case reactions between metal and acid

xtprtpr

I am a GCSE student and I am wondering why copper metal reacts with hot, concentrated sulfuric acid to produce copper (II) sulfate, sulfur dioxide, and water. Copper also reacts with hot, concentrated nitric acid to form copper (II) nitrate, nitrogen monoxide and water. Why do these reactions work? What other metals react with hot and concentrated acids this way to produce gases(not hydrogen gas)? Any help would be appreciated. I am just a GCSE student so pardon me if I do not understand certain explanations. Thanks!

Borek

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reactivity_series

xtprtpr

Oh I see. What acids are strong oxidizing agents though?

Borek

Of those commonly used nitric and to some extent concentrated sulfuric. Of those less often used - perchloric acid.