Question

Nitric acid occurs in ___.

• A. Free state only
• B. Combined state only
• C. Both in free and combined state
• D. None of these

Answer 1

The correct option is C

Both in free and combined state

In the free state, nitric acid is found in rain water, where it occurs in traces after lightning.

In the combined state, it is found in the form of metallic nitrates such as Chile saltpeter $\left(NaN{O}_3\right)$, nitre $\left(KN{O}_3\right)$ or calcium nitrate$\left(Ca\right(N{O}_3{)}_2)$.