Discover the Magic of Chemistry with Nitric Acid!

What makes nitric acid classified as a strong acid?

Is it because it reacts violently with other substances?

Is it because it releases a pungent odor?

Is it because it completely dissociates in water?

Answer:

Nitric acid (HNO3) is classified as a strong acid because it readily and completely dissociates into its ions (H+ and NO3-) when dissolved in water.

Is it because it completely dissociates in water?

Nitric acid is indeed classified as a strong acid primarily because it completely dissociates in water, forming hydrogen and nitrate ions. This complete ionization gives it characteristics of strong acids, such as being a good conductor of electricity.

When nitric acid (HNO3) is dissolved in water, it readily ionizes to form hydrogen ions (H+) and nitrate ions (NO3-), leaving no molecules of the original acid. This process is highly efficient and results in a high concentration of H+ ions in the solution, giving nitric acid its strong acidic properties and low pH.

In addition to its complete dissociation, nitric acid's ability to conduct electricity further supports its classification as a strong acid. The presence of ions allows for the flow of electrical current in the solution, which is a characteristic shared by other strong acids like sulfuric acid (H2SO4) and hydrochloric acid (HCl).