The chemical formula for nitric acid is HNO₃.
Understanding the Composition of Nitric Acid (HNO₃)
Nitric acid is a strong mineral acid with a distinct atomic composition. Its formula, HNO₃, indicates the precise number of atoms of each element that make up one molecule of the compound.
The breakdown of atoms in a single molecule of nitric acid is as follows:
| Element | Number of Atoms |
|---|---|
| Hydrogen | 1 |
| Nitrogen | 1 |
| Oxygen | 3 |
This specific arrangement of one hydrogen atom, one nitrogen atom, and three oxygen atoms gives nitric acid its characteristic properties.
Key Characteristics and Applications of Nitric Acid
Beyond its chemical formula, nitric acid possesses several notable characteristics that define its behavior and wide range of applications:
- Molecular Structure: The molecule of nitric acid is known to be planar, meaning all its atoms lie on a single flat plane.
- Resonance Forms: HNO₃ exhibits two resonance forms. This property contributes to the molecule's stability and the distribution of electron density within its structure.
- Primary Application: One of the most significant and common uses of nitric acid globally is in the production of fertilizer. Its role in manufacturing nitrogen-based fertilizers makes it a crucial compound in the agricultural industry.
