In an aqueous solution, [tex]\( HNO_3 \)[/tex] produces [tex]\( H^+ \)[/tex] ions. To determine the name of [tex]\( HNO_3 \)[/tex] in an aqueous solution, we need to follow these steps:
1. Identify the Molecular Composition:
- [tex]\( HNO_3 \)[/tex] consists of hydrogen (H), nitrogen (N), and three oxygen (O) atoms.
2. Understanding the Type of Acid:
- When hydrogen is combined with a polyatomic ion containing oxygen, the compound is considered an oxyacid.
- The polyatomic ion in [tex]\( HNO_3 \)[/tex] is nitrate ([tex]\( NO_3^- \)[/tex]).
3. Naming Conventions for Oxyacids:
- For acids derived from polyatomic ions ending in "-ate", the derived acid name changes to "-ic acid".
- The 'hydrogen' prefix is often dropped, as it is implied in the context of acids.
4. Application to [tex]\( HNO_3 \)[/tex]:
- The polyatomic ion [tex]\( NO_3^- \)[/tex] is called nitrate.
- Following the naming rule, [tex]\( HNO_3 \)[/tex] becomes nitric acid.
Therefore, the name for [tex]\( HNO_3 \)[/tex] in an aqueous solution is nitric acid.
