Why is Nitric Acid a strong oxidizer?

Question

Obviously, it isn't the acid b/c HCl isn't an oxidizer...so, is it the NO3-? If so, why wouldn't any nitrate considered a strong oxidizer? For that matter, why isn't sulfuric a stronger oxidizer since Sulfur is at + 6 and N would only be a +5?

Answer 1

Most nitrates can be strong oxidizers in the proper environment. It happens to be a very strong oxidizer in an acidic environment that aids in the transfer of electrons. Nitrogen has a greater affinity for electrons than sulfur.