NITRIC ACID

This acid is n compound of 1 atom or equivalent of nitrogen = 14, nnd 5 of oxygen (8 X 5) = 40; hence its equivalent in the dry or anhydrous state, as it exists, for instance, in nitre, is 14 + 40 = 54. As it usually occurs in the liquid state, it is a compound of 1 equivalent of dry acid, 54, and 2 of water (9 X 2), 18; hence the equivalent of the liquid acid is 72, It is commonly known in commerce under the name of aqua fortis, and is prepared by distilling a mixture of sulphuric acid and nitre. It is commonly yellow, or even deep orange coloured; but it may be denrived of nitric oxide, which occasions this colour, by [s. 845]