Chemistry: Net ionic equation of Fe,Cu,Zn with HCL

[wyeyip]

Homework Statement

im given an experiment on reactivity series and required to write net ionic equation in the results.. I am kinda stuck in this reaction.. between this 3 metal.. iron, copper, and zinc.. reacting with nitric acid..

Homework Equations

the reaction was carried out with HCL also.. and these are the ionic equations i get.
Fe + 2 H+ = Fe + H₂
no reaction for copper.
Zn + 2 H+ = Zn + H₂

The Attempt at a Solution

well.. as far as i know.. copper won't react with nitric acid.. cos Cu is lower than H in the reactivity series.. but during experiment.. the Cu reacted and the solution turn blue.. this means copper is reacted.. so I am lost now..

can anyone give the solution for it?? the ionic equations..

 

[Fightfish]

It's a redox reaction.
NO3− + 2 H+ + e− ⇄ NO2 + H2O E=+0.80V
Cu2+ + 2 e− ⇄ Cu(s) E=+0.34V
Hence, the nitrate ion is able to oxidise the Cu to Cu2+ ion.

 

[Borek]

Balancing redox reactions can be a little bit tricky - but is perfectly doable.