Understanding Nitric Acid: Strong Acid or Weak Acid?

Carla is using a fertilizer that contains nitric acid. How is nitric acid classified?

Is it:

A) Strong Acid

B) Weak Acid

C) Strong Base

D) Weak Base

Answer:

Nitric acid is classified as a strong acid.

Explanation:

Nitric acid is classified as a strong acid because it completely dissociates in water, releasing an abundance of hydrogen ions (H+). This means that when nitric acid is dissolved in water, it breaks apart into hydrogen ions and nitrate ions.

A strong acid, such as nitric acid (HNO3), is one that fully ionizes in water, leading to a high concentration of H+ ions in the solution. This characteristic makes strong acids highly reactive and capable of producing acidic solutions.

On the other hand, weak acids only partially ionize in water, resulting in a lower concentration of H+ ions. Nitric acid's ability to completely dissociate sets it apart as a strong acid in the realm of chemical classifications.

Understanding the classification of nitric acid as a strong acid sheds light on its reactivity and acidic properties, which are crucial factors in its applications in various industries and scientific fields.