Question

Is nitric acid a strong acid?

Answer 1

Hint : Acids are those substances which dissociate in the solution to give hydrogen ion $({{H}^{+}})$ . There are two types of acids i.e. strong acids and weak acids. Strong acids are those which dissociate completely in the solution to give hydrogen ion while weak acids dissociate partially in the solution.

Complete Step By Step Answer:
The molecular formula of nitric acid is $HN{{O}_{3}}$ . Strong acids are those which dissociate completely in the aqueous solution to give hydrogen ion while weak acids dissociate partially in the aqueous solution. Nitric acid is a strong acid which dissociate completely in the aqueous solution to give hydrogen ion $({{H}^{+}})$ and nitrate ion $(N{{O}_{3}}^{-})$ . This is illustrated in the following diagram:
$HN{{O}_{3}}\to {{H}^{+}}+N{{O}_{3}}^{-}$
From the above reaction, we conclude that nitrate ion $(N{{O}_{3}}^{-})$ is the conjugate base of acid $HN{{O}_{3}}$ .

Additional Information:
Weak acids are those which dissociate partially in the solution. For example: acetic acid i.e. $C{{H}_{3}}COOH$ which is dissociated partially in the solution and is represented by degree of dissociation. Dilute solution of acetic acid (3 to 5 %) is called vinegar which has several applications in day-today life as a food preservative. Acids turn blue litmus red and are sour in taste. On the other hand, bases are those which give hydroxide ion $(O{{H}^{-}})$ in the solution, turn red litmus blue and are bitter in taste.

Note :
It is important to note that nitric acid is a strong acid. The molecular formula of nitric acid is $HN{{O}_{3}}$ . It dissociate completely in the aqueous solution to give hydrogen ion $({{H}^{+}})$ and nitrate ion $(N{{O}_{3}}^{-})$ .