Classify each of the molecules on the left as an acid, base, or salt. The dissociation products of the molecules are shown to help you.


HNO₃ →H⁺ + NO⁻₃

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the given molecule: HNO₃.
2. Examine the dissociation products: H⁺ and NO₃⁻.
3. Recall that an acid is a substance that increases the concentration of H⁺ ions in a solution.
4. Since HNO₃ dissociates to produce H⁺ ions, classify it as an acid.
5. Conclude that HNO₃ is an acid based on its dissociation into H⁺ and NO₃⁻.

Key Concepts

Acids and Bases

Acids are substances that can donate protons (H⁺ ions) in a solution, while bases are substances that can accept protons. The Brønsted-Lowry theory defines acids as proton donors and bases as proton acceptors, which is essential for understanding the behavior of molecules in aqueous solutions.

Dissociation

Dissociation refers to the process by which a compound breaks down into its constituent ions in solution. For example, when nitric acid (HNO₃) dissociates, it produces H⁺ and NO₃⁻ ions, which is crucial for classifying the compound as an acid based on its ability to release protons.

Salts

Salts are ionic compounds formed from the neutralization reaction between an acid and a base. They typically consist of cations from the base and anions from the acid. Understanding the formation of salts helps in classifying compounds based on their dissociation products and their role in acid-base chemistry.