What is Nitric acid?
[[File:Nitric acid resonance median.png|right|200px|thumb|Structure of Nitric Acid]] '''Nitric Acid''' ([[Hydrogen|H]][[Nitrate|NO<sub>3</sub>]]) is a very [[corrosive]] and toxic strong [[acid]] that can cause severe [[burns]]. It is also known as '''''aqua fortis'''''. The majority of nitric acid is used to make [[ammonium nitrate]] and other fertilizers. Some is used in [[Rocket propellant|rocket fuels]] and explosives, and to help make wood look older. It can react with metals such as copper to produce a brown toxic gas called [[nitrogen dioxide]]. It is made by reaction of [[nitrogen dioxide]] with water. In alchemy, it is known as '''aqua fortis''', or strong water. It can dissolve silver but leaves gold unharmed, making it a good test for gold. The term acid test came from this test. {{Nitrogen compounds}} {{-}} {{chem-stub}} [[Category:Acids]] [[Category:Nitrogen compounds]]