key term - Nitric Acid (HNO3)

Definition

Nitric acid is a strong, highly corrosive acid that is commonly used in laboratories and industries. It is known for its ability to completely dissociate in water, making it a strong acid with a high acidity constant (Ka). This property connects nitric acid to concepts of acid-base strength and its applications in various chemical processes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Nitric acid has a Ka value significantly greater than 1, indicating it is a strong acid that fully ionizes in solution.
2. It is commonly used in the production of fertilizers, explosives, and as a reagent in various chemical reactions.
3. Nitric acid can react with metals, resulting in the release of nitrogen dioxide (NO2), which is a toxic gas.
4. Due to its strong oxidizing properties, nitric acid can also oxidize nonmetals and even some metals under certain conditions.
5. Safety precautions are essential when handling nitric acid due to its corrosive nature and potential to cause severe burns.

Review Questions

• How does the dissociation of nitric acid in water relate to its classification as a strong acid?
  • Nitric acid dissociates completely in water, releasing H+ ions and resulting in a significant decrease in pH. This complete ionization is characteristic of strong acids, which contrasts with weak acids that only partially dissociate. The high Ka value for nitric acid further emphasizes its strength as an acid, as it demonstrates its tendency to donate protons readily when dissolved in water.
• Discuss the implications of nitric acid's strong oxidizing properties on its applications in industrial processes.
  • The strong oxidizing properties of nitric acid make it valuable in various industrial applications, such as in the manufacture of explosives and fertilizers. Its ability to react with metals and nonmetals means it can facilitate important chemical reactions. However, these properties also require careful handling and safety protocols to prevent hazardous reactions, highlighting the dual nature of nitric acid as both useful and potentially dangerous.
• Evaluate the environmental impacts associated with the production and use of nitric acid, considering its role in generating nitrogen oxides.
  • The production and use of nitric acid can have significant environmental impacts, particularly due to its role as a precursor for nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions. These gases contribute to air pollution, smog formation, and respiratory problems in humans. Additionally, the runoff from agricultural applications can lead to eutrophication in water bodies. Evaluating these impacts necessitates considering sustainable practices in industry to mitigate harmful effects on both human health and ecosystems.

Related terms

Acid Dissociation Constant (Ka): A quantitative measure of the strength of an acid in solution, indicating the extent to which an acid donates protons (H+) to water.

Strong Acid: An acid that completely ionizes in solution, resulting in a high concentration of H+ ions and thus a low pH.

pH Scale: A logarithmic scale used to specify the acidity or basicity of an aqueous solution, with lower values indicating higher acidity.