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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Aqua Regia and Aqua Fortis?

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The key difference between aqua regia and aqua fortis is their composition and purpose:

  • Aqua Regia:
  • A solution of hydrochloric acid ($HCl$) and nitric acid ($HNO_3$).
  • Used to dissolve metals like gold and platinum.
  • Aqua Fortis:
  • An archaic term for nitric acid ($HNO_3$).
  • Known as "strong water" and can react with almost all metals.

Both aqua regia and aqua fortis are used as powerful oxidizing agents and have a corrosive nature. However, aqua regia is a mixture of hydrochloric and nitric acid, while aqua fortis is the old name for nitric acid itself. Aqua regia is primarily used for dissolving metals like gold and platinum, whereas aqua fortis is a strong oxidizing agent that can react with most metals.

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  • What is the Difference Between Aqua Regia and Aqua Fortis?
  • Comparative Table: Aqua Regia vs Aqua Fortis

    • Comparative Table: Aqua Regia vs Aqua Fortis

    Aqua regia and aqua fortis are both acidic solutions, but they have different compositions and properties. Here is a table summarizing their differences:

    Property Aqua Regia Aqua Fortis
    Composition Mixture of nitric acid (HNO3) and hydrochloric acid (HCl) in a molar ratio of 1:3 Nitric acid (HNO3)
    Name Etymology Latin for "royal water" Latin for "strong water"
    Color Freshly prepared aqua regia is colorless, but it turns yellow, orange, or red within seconds Colorless
    Reactivity Can dissolve noble metals like gold and platinum, but not all metals Reacts with almost all metals
    Uses Dissolving metals like gold and platinum A powerful oxidizing agent

    In summary, aqua regia is a mixture of nitric acid and hydrochloric acid, while aqua fortis is another name for nitric acid. Aqua regia is used to dissolve noble metals like gold and platinum, whereas aqua fortis is a powerful oxidizing agent that reacts with almost all metals.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.