What is the chemical formula for nitrate?

The chemical formula for nitrate is represented as NO3-. This indicates that the nitrate ion consists of one nitrogen atom (N) bonded to three oxygen atoms (O), and it has a negative charge of one (-). This negative charge reflects the fact that the nitrate ion is typically involved in ionic bonds, where it can attract positively charged ions to form compounds.

The structure of nitrate is crucial in various chemical processes, especially in agricultural contexts where it plays a significant role as a nutrient for plants. Understanding this formula helps in recognizing its behavior in different chemical reactions, namely as a polyatomic ion in compounds like ammonium nitrate or sodium nitrate.

The other choices do not represent the nitrate ion accurately, either by depicting incorrect compositions or charges. For example, NO2- refers to the nitrite ion, while N2O4 and No3+1 don't correspond to the structure of the nitrate ion. Thus, the clarity of the nitrate formula as NO3- is vital for understanding its chemical properties and applications.