Final answer:
HNO₃(aq) acts as an Arrhenius acid by dissociating in water to form H⁺ ions and NO₃⁻ ions, as shown in the chemical equation HNO₃(aq) → H⁺(aq) + NO₃⁻(aq) or HNO₃(aq) + H₂O(l) → H₃O⁺(aq) + NO₃⁻(aq) when including water.
Step-by-step explanation:
An Arrhenius acid is a substance that, when added to water, increases the concentration of H+ ions in the solution. Nitric acid, HNO₃(aq), is a strong acid according to the Arrhenius definition. When HNO₃ dissolves in water, it dissociates completely to form hydronium ions (H₃O+) and nitrate ions (NO₃⁻).
The chemical equation that shows how HNO₃ is an acid according to the Arrhenius definition is as follows:
HNO₃(aq) → H⁺(aq) + NO₃⁻(aq)
This equation illustrates the complete dissociation of HNO₃ in water which is typical for strong acids. The hydrogen ion (H⁺) can also be written as the hydronium ion (H₃O⁺) if we include the water in which the acid is dissolved:
HNO₃(aq) + H₂O(l) → H₃O⁺(aq) + NO₃⁻(aq)