Final answer:
The concentration of hydronium ions (H3O+) and hydroxide ions (OH-) in a 0.050 M solution of nitric acid is 0.050 M and 2.0 × 10^-13 M, respectively.
Step-by-step explanation:
The concentration of hydronium ions (H3O+) and hydroxide ions (OH-) in a solution can be determined using the equation for water dissociation:
Kw = [H3O+][OH-]
For a strong acid like nitric acid (HNO3), it completely dissociates in water, so the concentration of hydronium ions is equal to the initial concentration of the acid:
[H3O+] = 0.050 M
Since the concentration of hydronium ions and hydroxide ions in a neutral solution is equal (Kw = 1.0 × 10^-14), the concentration of hydroxide ions can be calculated
[OH-] = Kw / [H3O+]
[OH-] = (1.0 × 10^-14) / (0.050) = 2.0 × 10^-13 M
Therefore, in a 0.050 M solution of nitric acid, the concentration of hydronium ions is 0.050 M and the concentration of hydroxide ions is 2.0 × 10^-13 M.