Solution:

Nitric acid , also known as aqua fortis and spirit of niter , is a highly corrosive mineral acid . The pure compound is colorless , but older samples tend to acquire a yellow cast due to decomposition into oxides of nitrogen and water .

Nitric acid is used in the production of ammonium nitrate for fertilizers , making plastics , and in the manufacture of dyes . It is also used for making explosives such as nitroglycerin and TNT . When it is combined with hydrochloric acid , an element called aqua regia is formed .