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Nitrate facts for kids

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Nitrate
Nitrate anion.svg
Nitrate-3D-vdW.png
Nitrate-3D-balls.png
Properties
Molecular formula NO
3
Molar mass 62.0049 g mol-1
Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa)
Infobox references

Nitrate (NO31-) is a polyatomic ion. It is made up of one nitrogen and three oxygen atoms. It is part of many important molecules. Potassium nitrate is a common type of nitrate. It is often used in fertilizers because plants need both potassium and nitrates to live and grow. Sodium nitrate is also used in preserving foods.

Some nitrates are explosive. People make large amounts of nitrates from ammonia. Nitrates are similar to nitrites. Many metal nitrates with thermal decomposition makes oxygen and metal nitrate.

Nitric acid has the formula HNO3 and has no overall charge, because the hydrogen ion is positive.

Nitrate has a group valency of 1.

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See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Nitrato para niños

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