Question

What is the acid ionization reaction for HNO₃?

A. 2HNO₃ ↔ H₂ + N₂ + 2O₃
B. HNO₃ ↔ H+ + NO₃
C. HNO₃ (aq) ↔ H+ (aq) + NO₃ (aq)
D. None of the Above

Answer 1

The acid ionization reaction for HNO₃ is (C) HNO₃ (aq) ↔ H+ (aq) + NO₃⁻ (aq), which shows complete ionization characteristic of a strong acid.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct acid ionization reaction for HNO₃ (nitric acid) when it dissociates in water is represented by the equation:

HNO₃ (aq) ↔ H+ (aq) + NO₃⁻ (aq)

This reaction shows the dissociation of nitric acid into a proton (H+), also known as a hydrogen ion, and the nitrate ion (NO₃⁻) in an aqueous solution.

This process is characteristic of a strong acid, which ionizes completely in water, unlike a weak acid which only partially ionizes and sets up an equilibrium.