Question

Properties of sodium nitrate and potassium nitrate

Answer 1

PROPERTIES OF SODIUM NITRATE


Physical properties : Sodium nitrate is a white crystalline solid with a density of 2.26 g/mL and a melting point of 308 °C. It exists as either trigonal or rhombohedral crystals.

Chemical properties: Sodium nitrate is the salt of a strong acid and hence, dissociates completely in water into sodium and nitrate ions. It is a stable solid at room temperature, however upon prolonged heating, it can explode and release toxic fumes. It is a strong oxidizer and reacts violently with strong reducing agents and flammable materials.

PROPERTIES OF POTASSIUM NITRATE

Potassium nitrate has an orthorhombic crystal structure at room temperature, which transforms to a trigonal system at 129 °C (264 °F).

Potassium nitrate is moderately soluble in water, but its solubility increases with temperature (see infobox). The aqueous solution is almost neutral, exhibiting pH6.2 at 14 °C (57 °F) for a 10% solution of commercial powder. It is not very hygroscopic, absorbing about 0.03% water in 80%  relative humodity over 50 days. It is insoluble in alcohol and is not poisonous; it can react explosively with reducing agents, but it is not explosive on its own.