Balanced equations are 3Cu + 8HNO3 → 3Cu(NO3)2 + 2NO + 4H2O ... (i) Cu + 4HNO3 → Cu(NO3)2+2NO2+2H2O ... (ii) Here NO and NO2 are evolved in equal volumes, hence, on adding Eqs. (i) and (ii) 4Cu + 12HNO3 → 4Cu(NO3)2 + 2NO + 2NO2+6H2O or 2Cu + 6HNO3 → 2Cu(NO3)2 + NO + NO2+3H2O Hence, coefficients x and y of Cu and HNO3 are 2 and 6 respectively