During the Dumas method for nitrogen estimation, the combustion gases are passed over a heated coppe — Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

During the high-temperature oxidation with $CuO$, some of the nitrogen in the organic compound may be oxidized into oxides of nitrogen (e.g., $NO, NO_2$). The heated copper gauze acts as a reducing agent, specifically reducing these nitrogen oxides back to elemental $N_2$ gas, ensuring that all nitrogen is accurately measured as $N_2$.