Nitric acid (HNO₃) is a monobasic acid. This means that it can donate one proton (H⁺) per molecule when dissolved in water.

Here's why:

* Structure: The structure of nitric acid features one hydrogen atom directly bonded to an oxygen atom.

* Dissociation: When nitric acid dissolves in water, it releases a single hydrogen ion (H⁺) and a nitrate ion (NO₃⁻):

HNO₃ (aq) → H⁺ (aq) + NO₃⁻ (aq)

Therefore, nitric acid is considered a monobasic acid.