What salt forms when ammonium hydroxide reacts with nitric acid?

Study for the Medical Chemistry Test. Explore multiple choice questions with hints and explanations. Get exam-ready with engaging quizzes and comprehensive study materials.

Multiple Choice

What salt forms when ammonium hydroxide reacts with nitric acid?

Neutralization of a weak base with a strong acid forms a salt composed of the base’s cation and the acid’s anion. Ammonium hydroxide provides ammonium (NH4+), and nitric acid provides nitrate (NO3−). They react to give the salt ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3) and water: NH4OH + HNO3 → NH4NO3 + H2O. The other salts would require different acids: sulfate with sulfuric acid, nitrite with nitrous or related acids, and carbonate with carbonic acid.

Neutralization of a weak base with a strong acid forms a salt composed of the base’s cation and the acid’s anion. Ammonium hydroxide provides ammonium (NH4+), and nitric acid provides nitrate (NO3−). They react to give the salt ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3) and water: NH4OH + HNO3 → NH4NO3 + H2O. The other salts would require different acids: sulfate with sulfuric acid, nitrite with nitrous or related acids, and carbonate with carbonic acid.

More practice questions