What is the formula of nitric acid?

Study for the IGCSE Edexcel Chemistry Test. Access flashcards and multiple choice questions with hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Multiple Choice

What is the formula of nitric acid?

Explanation:
Nitric acid contains one hydrogen, one nitrogen, and three oxygens, and in acids the acidic hydrogen is written first. Putting those atoms together gives HNO3, the standard neutral formula for nitric acid. The other options point to a different acid or use an unconventional arrangement of atoms (for example, HNO2 is nitrous acid, H2NO3 would imply two hydrogens, and NO3H isn’t the conventional way to write the formula). So the correct formula is HNO3.

Nitric acid contains one hydrogen, one nitrogen, and three oxygens, and in acids the acidic hydrogen is written first. Putting those atoms together gives HNO3, the standard neutral formula for nitric acid. The other options point to a different acid or use an unconventional arrangement of atoms (for example, HNO2 is nitrous acid, H2NO3 would imply two hydrogens, and NO3H isn’t the conventional way to write the formula). So the correct formula is HNO3.

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