Solution :
Nitric acid decomposes to give $$N{O_2}$$ which is brown
$$4HN{O_3} \to 4N{O_2} + 2{H_2}O + {O_2}$$
When air is passed through acid the reaction proceeds towards left hand side and brown colour diminishes.
Releted MCQ Question on Inorganic Chemistry >> P - Block Elements
Releted Question 1
The reddish brown coloured gas formed when nitric oxide is oxidised by air is