NITRIC ACID Meaning and
Definition
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Nitric acid is a highly corrosive and strong oxidizing acid that is commonly referred to as aqua fortis. Chemically represented as HNO3, it is a colorless liquid characterized by its pungent odor. Nitric acid is produced through the oxidation of ammonia in the presence of a catalyst or by the reaction of atmospheric nitrogen with oxygen. It is soluble in water, but upon concentration, it can release hazardous fumes.
Nitric acid is widely used in various industrial processes, such as the manufacturing of fertilizers, dyes, and explosives. It plays a crucial role in the production of ammonium nitrate, a common nitrogen-based fertilizer. Additionally, it is used as a reagent in laboratories and in the preparation of metal nitrates. Nitric acid is also employed in the etching and cleaning of metals, particularly for the removal of rust or impurities.
The strong oxidizing properties of nitric acid make it capable of reacting with various substances, including metals, which can dissolve upon contact. The reaction between nitric acid and metals is often highly exothermic, accompanied by the release of nitrogen dioxide gas. This acid is highly corrosive and can cause severe burns on skin contact. When inhaled, nitric acid fumes can irritate the respiratory system and cause significant harm to the lungs.
While nitric acid has various important applications, it is crucial to handle it with extreme care due to its hazardous nature.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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A powerful acid composed of five parts of oxygen and one of nitrogen; aquafortis.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for NITRIC ACID
- mitric acid
- jitric acid
- hitric acid
- nutric acid
- njtric acid
- nktric acid
- notric acid
- n9tric acid
- n8tric acid
- nirric acid
- nifric acid
- nigric acid
- niyric acid
- ni6ric acid
- ni5ric acid
- niteic acid
- nitdic acid
- nitfic acid
- nittic acid
Etymology of NITRIC ACID
The word "nitric" in "nitric acid" is derived from the Latin word "nitrum", which originally referred to natron, a naturally occurring substance containing sodium bicarbonate. The term later evolved to refer to saltpetre, a type of mineral salt that was primarily composed of potassium nitrate.
The term "acid" is derived from the Latin word "acidus", which means "sour". It was originally used to designate substances that had a sour taste. In the case of "nitric acid", the word "acid" describes the chemical properties of the substance, as it is a highly corrosive liquid with a sour taste.
Similar spelling words for NITRIC ACID
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