Is HNO3 (Nitric acid) and Acid, Base, or Neutral?

One of the simpler acid base theories states that acids donate H+ ions and bases donate OH- ions. When HNO3 (Nitric acid) dissolves in water it breaks apart into H+ and NO3 - ions. The H+, called the hydrogen ion, makes HNO3 an acid Other acid base theories also describe HNO3 as an acid.

Because HNO3 is a strong acid, it dissociates completely in water. This means that all of the HNO3 breaks apart into H+ and NO3- ions.

We have HNO3 + H2O = H+ (aq) + NO3-(aq).

H+ is often written as H3O + (the Hydronium ion). They are equivalent.

If we tested the pH it would be well below 7 meaning that HNO3 is an acid. For a base the pH would be above 7.

HNO3 is one of the most important strong bases and is used in numerous industrial applications.

In short, HNO3 (Nitric acid), is a acid. In fact it’s a strong acid.