The chemical formula for nitric acid is HNO₃. It is a highly corrosive and toxic strong acid commonly used in various industrial and laboratory applications. Nitric acid is important in the production of fertilizers, explosives, and dyes, and is also used in metal processing and etching. Due to its reactive nature, it can cause severe burns and is hazardous to human health and the environment. When dissolved in water, nitric acid ionizes to produce hydrogen ions (H⁺) and nitrate ions (NO₃⁻), making it effective in chemical reactions requiring a strong acid.