Final answer:
The acidic equilibrium equation for HNO₂ in water is HNO₂(aq) + H₂O(l) ⇌ H₃O⁺⁺(aq) + NO₂⁺(aq), illustrating the partial ionization of nitrous acid into hydronium and nitrite ions in an equilibrium state.
Step-by-step explanation:
The acidic equilibrium equation for HNO₂ represents its partial ionization in water. The equation is often written as:
HNO₂(aq) + H₂O(l) ⇌ H₃O⁺⁺(aq) + NO₂⁺(aq)
This reaction indicates that nitrous acid (HNO₂) donates a proton to water, forming hydronium ions (H₃O⁺⁺) and nitrite ions (NO₂⁺) in an equilibrium process.
As a weak acid, HNO₂ does not dissociate completely in solution. Therefore, this reaction represents an equilibrium, and not all of the HNO₂ molecules will ionize. The equilibrium constant (Ka) for this reaction helps to quantify the extent of ionization.