Which of the following is a common use of nitric acid (HNO_3)?

• A. Manufacture of fertilizers
• B. Flavoring beverages
• C. Neutralizing stomach acid
• D. Preserving food

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the chemical properties of nitric acid (HNO_3). It is a strong acid and a powerful oxidizing agent commonly used in industrial processes.
2. Recall that nitric acid is widely used in the production of fertilizers, especially in the manufacture of ammonium nitrate, which is a key component of many fertilizers.
3. Evaluate the other options: flavoring beverages, neutralizing stomach acid, and preserving food are not typical uses of nitric acid due to its corrosive and toxic nature.
4. Recognize that flavoring beverages and preserving food usually involve mild acids like citric acid or acetic acid, and neutralizing stomach acid involves bases, not strong acids like nitric acid.
5. Conclude that the common use of nitric acid among the given options is the manufacture of fertilizers.