The question given below consist of an assertion and a reason. Use the following key to choose the appropriate answer.

(a) Both Assertion and reason are correct statements, and Reason is the correct explanation of assertion.

(b) Both Assertion and reason are correct statements, and Reason is not the correct explanation of assertion.

(c) Assertion is correct, Reason is the wrong statement.

(d) Assertion is wrong, but Reason is the correct statement.

Assertion: Nitric acid and water form maximum boiling azeotrope.

Reason: Azeotropes are binary mixtures having the same composition in liquid and vapour phase.

(b)

Some liquids on mixing, form azeotropes which are binary mixtures having the same composition in liquid and vapour phase and boil at a constant temperature. In such cases, it is not possible to separate the components by fractional distillation.

The solutions that show large negative deviation from Raoult’s law form maximum boiling azeotrope at a specific composition. Nitric acid and water is an example of this class of azeotrope. This azeotrope has the approximate composition, 68% nitric acid and 32% water by mass, with a boiling point of 393.5 K.