Multiple choice

The solution in which gold dissolves is

  1. water

  2. hydrochloric acid

  3. acquaregia

  4. sulphuric acid

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Aqua regia is the only solution that can dissolve gold. It is a mixture of concentrated nitric acid and hydrochloric acid in a 1:3 ratio, which produces reactive species that oxidize gold. Neither water nor any single acid like HCl or H2SO4 can dissolve gold.