In the equation, $NaOH + HNO_3 \longrightarrow NaNO_3 + H_2O$ nitric acid is acting as

Question

$\begin{array}{1 1} \text{(a) An oxidizing agent} \\ \text{ (b) An acid} \\ \text{ (c) A nitrating agent} \\ \text{ (d) A dehydrating agent} \end{array} $