In each of the following question, a statement of Assertion (A) is given followed by a corresponding statement of Reason (R). Choose the correct answer as:

Assertion (A): HNO₃ renders iron passive.

Reason (R):  Iron reacts with HNO₃ to form ferric nitrite.

If the assertion is true, but the reason is false

Correct Reason: HNO₃ reacts with Fe to form a thin impervious layer of ferrosoferric oxide (FeO.Fe₂O₃≡Fe₃O₄) on the surface of iron which protects it from further action.