(a) Reaction of nitric acid with non-metals:
C + 4HNO3 → CO2 + 2H2O + 4 NO2
S + 6 HNO3 → H2SO4 + 2H2O + 6NO2
(b) Nitric acid showing acidic character:
K2O + 2HNO3 → 2KNO3 + H2O
ZnO + 2HNO3 → Zn(NO3)2 + H2O
(c) Nitric acid acting as oxidizing agent
P4 +20HNO3 → 4H3PO4 + 4H2O + 20NO2
3Zn +8HNO3 → 3Zn(NO3)2 + 4H2O + 2NO