[lokemer]

Hello,

I have to compete in an annual science fair, and this is my first year taking chemistry.  For my project I was wondering if it was possible to break apart the NO3 atom with anything.  Perhaps ultrasound or another force.  Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Also, by breaking it apart I mean to take it a=out of water, like water in a fish farm.

Thanks,
John Clark

[discodermolide]

If you are going to participate in a science fair you will need to get your terminology correct.
NO³ is not an atom, not even a molecule. Look it up and tell us exactly what it is!

[lokemer]

Sorry, Polyatomic ion.
And is what i'm trying to do called dissociation?

[discodermolide]

You are looking for a method which will remove nitrates from water, try Professor Google first and look at the options.

[lokemer]

I have, I found a lot about using macroalgae in saltwater aquariums and using water changes in aquariums.  I haven't found anything about using a mechanical process to do it.  People use carbons too but nothing that I want to use in my science fair project.

[discodermolide]

Well what is your idea of what you want to use in this project?

[Arkcon]

Along the lines of what discodermolide: has asked, can you write your question in the form of a hypothesis?  Something like: Can nitrate be broken down by ultrasound or Methods for breaking down nitrate.  Then, try to see what you can test, and try to find, on your own, what research has already been done, and what you can do, given the stuff you can buy or borrow to conduct the experiment to test your hypothesis.  Consider all possible forces you know of, how they are generated, and if you have access to them.