Question detail
What happens when phosphate rock is treated with nitric acid in the production of soluble salts for fertilisers?
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
Question
Type
exam_style
Style
Topic
The Haber process and the use of NPK fertilisers
Question
What happens when phosphate rock is treated with nitric acid in the production of soluble salts for fertilisers?
Answer
When phosphate rock is treated with nitric acid, it reacts to form soluble salts, specifically calcium nitrate and other nitrogen-containing compounds. This process makes the nutrients more available for plants, enhancing soil fertility.
Explanation
A strong answer should directly address the approved learning objective to describe treatment of phosphate rock with nitric acid to produce soluble salts for fertilisers. (Chemistry only). This question belongs to Production and uses of NPK fertilisers within The Haber process and the use of NPK fertilisers, so the response should use that exact curriculum context rather than a generic statement. The answer is correct when it names the key idea, explains the link to chemistry only, and keeps the wording specific to AQA GCSE revision.
Common mistake
Common Mistake in Phosphate Rock Treatment
Students often confuse the treatment of phosphate rock with nitric acid with the treatment using sulfuric acid.
Remember that nitric acid treatment specifically produces soluble nitrates, while sulfuric acid treatment produces different soluble salts. Focus on the specific acid used and the resulting salts.
Related flashcards
Flashcard 1 of 5
Related practice questions
Question 1 of 5
Choose an answer, get feedback, then move sideways through the set.