AIIMS 2018 Chemistry Brown Ring Test Assertion Reason Question

In the Brown ring test, the assertion that Fe²⁺ is oxidized to Fe³⁺ is true, as this reaction is essential for the formation of the brown ring complex with [Fe(H₂O)₅NO]²⁺. However, the reason stating that NO₃⁻ is reduced to NO is false because, in this context, the reduction actually involves the conversion of NO₃⁻ to NO₂ or other nitrogen oxides, not directly to NO. Therefore, while both the assertion and reason are true statements in different contexts, the reason does not correctly explain the assertion, making option B the appropriate choice. Options A and C are incorrect because they misrepresent the relationship between the assertion and reason, while option D incorrectly states that the assertion is false.