Unlock the Mystery of Nitric Acid Solution!
What particles will be present in a solution of nitric acid? Is it a strong or weak acid?
a. no nitric acid molecules, only hydronium ions and nitrate ions
b. mostly nitric acid molecules, but a few hydronium ions and nitrate ions
c. equal amounts of nitric acid molecules and hydronium ions/nitrate ions
d. only nitric acid molecules
Answer:
Nitric acid is a strong acid, so in a solution, it ionizes completely. There will be no nitric acid molecules, only hydronium ions and nitrate ions.
Are you eager to unlock the mystery behind nitric acid solution? Let's dive into the fascinating world of chemistry!
Nitric acid is classified as a strong acid, which means it fully ionizes or dissociates when dissolved in water. This complete ionization results in the production of hydronium ions (H3O+) and nitrate ions (NO3-) in the solution. As a consequence, there are no nitric acid molecules present in the solution as they have all been broken down into ions.
The presence of hydronium ions and nitrate ions in a nitric acid solution is due to the strong acidic nature of nitric acid. The initial nitric acid molecules undergo ionization upon dissolution, leading to the formation of these charged particles.
So, next time you encounter a solution of nitric acid, remember that it is a strong acid with only hydronium ions and nitrate ions present, showcasing the power of chemistry in action!