The chemical formula NO₃⁻ stands for nitrate, which is a polyatomic ion.
Understanding the Nitrate Ion (NO₃⁻)
Based on the provided information, nitrate is defined as a specific type of chemical entity. It is a polyatomic ion, meaning it is a group of atoms bonded together that carries an overall electrical charge.
- Chemical Formula: NO₃⁻
- Composition: One nitrogen atom (N) and three oxygen atoms (O).
- Charge: It carries a negative charge, represented by the superscript '⁻'.
- Nature: It is an ion, not a neutral molecule.
Salts containing this ion are commonly referred to as nitrates.
Key Properties of Nitrate (NO₃⁻)
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Type | Polyatomic Ion |
| Atoms | 1 Nitrogen (N), 3 Oxygen (O) |
| Charge | -1 (indicated by the NO₃⁻ formula) |
| Salts | Compounds containing NO₃⁻ are called nitrates |
Common Uses of Nitrates
According to the reference, salts containing the nitrate ion are frequently used in several important applications:
- Fertilizers: Nitrates provide essential nitrogen nutrients required for plant growth.
- Explosives: Certain nitrate compounds are components in various explosive mixtures.
Understanding that NO₃⁻ represents the nitrate ion is fundamental in chemistry, particularly when studying inorganic compounds and their roles in various industries.
