Answer:
Nitric acid on decomposition gives out nascent oxygen which oxidizes the hydrogen to form water.
Nitric acid (HNO3)
- Nitric acid, also known as the spirit of niter and aqua fortis, is a strong acid.
- It is colourless in its purest form, but as it ages, it develops a yellow cast.
- The decomposition of nitric acid into nitrogen oxides and water produces this colour.
- It’s extremely corrosive and poisonous.
- It causes heavy burns on the skin.
- It forms nitrate salts when it reacts with hydroxides, metals, and oxides.