HNO3 is a compound called nitric acid. It is an acidic substance that donates protons (H+) when dissolved in water.
Related terms
NO³⁻: This is the conjugate base formed when nitric acid loses a proton (H+). It has a charge of -1 and consists of one nitrogen atom bonded to three oxygen atoms.
Water acts as both an acid and a base in chemical reactions like this one. In this equation, water can accept the proton donated by nitric acid, forming hydronium ion (H3O+).