What is the chemical formula for nitrate?

The chemical formula for nitrate is represented as NO₃. This formula indicates that a nitrate ion consists of one nitrogen atom (N) covalently bonded to three oxygen atoms (O). Nitrate is an important nutrient in the environment, particularly in the context of agriculture and wastewater treatment, as it plays a key role in the nitrogen cycle.

In this case, the nitrate ion is a polyatomic ion with a negative charge, making it critical in various biological and chemical processes. This includes its function in plant nutrition, where it is utilized as a source of nitrogen by plants, contributing to their growth and development.

The other choices present different compounds or elements that do not relate directly to nitrate. N₂O₃ is the formula for dinitrogen trioxide, which is an oxidized form of nitrogen with a different structure. NO₂ is nitrogen dioxide, which is a different nitrogen-oxygen compound and is also an important pollutant and not a form of nitrate. NH₃, or ammonia, while also containing nitrogen, is a compound that consists of one nitrogen atom and three hydrogen atoms rather than oxygen, thus does not represent nitrate.