The chemical formula of aqua fortis, also known as strong water, is HNO3, which represents nitric acid.
Nitric acid (HNO3) is a highly corrosive mineral acid. Here's a breakdown of its properties and uses:
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Composition: One hydrogen atom (H), one nitrogen atom (N), and three oxygen atoms (O).
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Reactivity: A strong oxidizing agent, allowing it to dissolve many metals.
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Uses:
- Purification of Precious Metals: Aqua fortis is used to purify gold, silver, and platinum because it can dissolve impurities of other metals.
- Production of Fertilizers: A key ingredient in the production of ammonium nitrate, a common fertilizer.
- Manufacturing of Explosives: Used in the creation of explosives like nitroglycerin and TNT.
- Etching: Used to etch metals and silicon wafers in various industrial processes.
In summary, aqua fortis, identified by the formula HNO3, is a powerful and versatile chemical compound with significant applications in various industries.
