That cannot be the case, Caroline; since the acid can be decomposed only by the combination of its constituents with other bodies.
MRS. B.
True; but caloric is sufficient for this purpose. By making the acid pass through a red hot porcelain tube, it is decomposed; the nitrogen and oxygen regain the caloric which they had lost in combining, and are thus both restored to their gaseous state.
The nitric acid may also be partly decomposed, and is by this means converted into NITROUS ACID.
CAROLINE.
This conversion must be easily effected, as the oxygen is so slightly combined with the nitrogen.
MRS. B.
The partial decomposition of nitric acid is readily effected by most metals; but it is sufficient to expose the nitric acid to a very strong light to make it give out oxygen gas, and thus be converted into nitrous acid. Of this acid there are various degrees, according to the proportions of oxygen which it contains; the strongest, and that into which the nitric is first converted, is of a yellow colour, as you see in this bottle.
CAROLINE.
How it fumes when the stopper is taken out!