Is HNO3 an electrolyte or a non-electrolyte?

Understand the Problem

The question is asking whether nitric acid (HNO3) behaves as an electrolyte or a non-electrolyte when dissolved in water. An electrolyte is a substance that dissociates into ions in solution and can conduct electricity, whereas a non-electrolyte does not dissociate into ions and doesn't conduct electricity.

More Information

HNO3, or nitric acid, is classified as a strong electrolyte because it completely ionizes in water, producing H+ and NO3- ions, allowing it to conduct electricity efficiently.

Tips

Common mistakes include assuming that all acids are weak electrolytes; however, strong acids like HNO3 are strong electrolytes.

Sources

• Classify HNO3 as a strong electrolyte, a weak electrolyte, or a non-electrolyte - homework.study.com
• Classifying Electrolytes - St. Olaf College - stolaf.edu