A solution containing approximately 68 % nitric acid and 32 % water by mass is prepared. Which of the following correctly describes the type of deviation this mixture shows from Raoult's law and the type of azeotrope it forms?

Step-by-step solution

When nitric acid and water are mixed, the new intermolecular interactions (A-B) between nitric acid and water molecules are stronger than the interactions in the pure components (A-A and B-B) due to strong hydrogen bonding. As a result, the escaping tendency of molecules decreases, leading to a lower vapour pressure than expected from Raoult's law. This is called a negative deviation. Because the vapour pressure is lowered, the solution must be heated to a higher temperature to boil. Thus, at a specific composition