From the reaction between Cu and HNO₃, the formed gas is NO₂ instead of NO₃. Hence the correct balanced equation would be, Cu(s) + 4HNO₃(aq) → Cu(NO₃)₂(aq) + 2NO₂(g) + 2H₂O<span>(l)
Here, Cu goes to </span>Cu(NO₃)₂ by changing its oxidation number from 0 to +2 while NO₃⁻ goes to NO₂ by reducing its oxidation state from +5 to +4 . Hence Cu is oxidized by HNO₃ in the reaction.