Which one of the following metals produces dinitrogen oxide with dilute nitric acid and nitrogen dioxide with concentrated nitric acid?

Zinc

The correct answer is option 3. Zinc.

The reaction of metals with nitric acid can result in the formation of various nitrogen oxides depending on the concentration of the nitric acid used. The specific reactions mentioned in the question are associated with zinc.

1. Reaction with Dilute Nitric Acid (Concentration < 5%):

With dilute nitric acid, zinc reacts to produce dinitrogen oxide (\(N_2O\)) and water:

\[ \text{Zn} + 2\text{HNO}_3 \rightarrow \text{Zn(NO}_3\text{)}_2 + \text{H}_2\text{O} + \text{N}_2\text{O} \]

So, with dilute nitric acid, zinc forms zinc nitrate, water, and dinitrogen oxide.

2. Reaction with Concentrated Nitric Acid (Concentration > 5%):

With concentrated nitric acid, the reaction is more vigorous, and zinc reacts to form zinc nitrate and nitrogen dioxide (\(NO_2\)):

\[ \text{Zn} + 4\text{HNO}_3 \rightarrow \text{Zn(NO}_3\text{)}_2 + \text{H}_2\text{O} + 2\text{NO}_2 \]

In this case, zinc nitrate and nitrogen dioxide are produced along with water.

The key points are:
Dilute Nitric Acid:  Formation of dinitrogen oxide (\(N_2O\)).
Concentrated Nitric Acid:  Formation of nitrogen dioxide (\(NO_2\)).

Therefore, zinc is the metal that exhibits these specific reactions with dilute and concentrated nitric acid, producing different nitrogen oxides based on the acid concentration.