How Well Do You Know Strong Acids?

Nitric acid is commonly referred to as aqua fortis, which is a highly corrosive and strong acid. It is used in various industries, such as the production of fertilizers, dyes, and explosives. Nitric acid is a colorless liquid that releases toxic fumes when exposed to air. It is known for its ability to dissolve metals, making it a powerful oxidizing agent. Due to its strong properties, nitric acid is commonly used in laboratory settings and industrial processes.

Hydrobromic acid is formed by dissolving hydrogen bromide in water. This is because hydrogen bromide is highly soluble in water, and when it dissolves, it forms hydrobromic acid. Ethanol, salt, and carbon dioxide do not have the same ability to dissolve hydrogen bromide and form hydrobromic acid.

The correct answer is sulfuric acid because its formula is H2SO4.

Sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) is commonly used in lead-acid batteries, such as those found in cars. In these batteries, sulfuric acid acts as the electrolyte, which facilitates the flow of electrical current between the battery's plates. The sulfuric acid undergoes a series of chemical reactions that produce electrical energy. This strong acid is chosen for its ability to effectively conduct electricity and participate in the necessary chemical reactions that power the battery.

Hydrochloric acid (HCl) is a strong acid because it completely dissociates in water, meaning that every molecule of HCl splits into H⁺ (hydrogen ions) and Cl⁻ (chloride ions). This complete dissociation results in a high concentration of H⁺ ions, making the solution highly acidic. Acetic acid (CH₃COOH), on the other hand, is a weak acid because it only partially dissociates in water. Carbonic acid (H₂CO₃) and phosphoric acid (H₃PO₄) are also weak acids for the same reason.

Carbonic acid is the weakest strong acid among the options given. This is because carbonic acid is a diprotic acid, meaning it can donate two protons (H+) per molecule. However, it is a relatively weak acid compared to the others listed. Hydrochloric acid, nitric acid, and sulfuric acid are all monoprotic acids, meaning they can donate only one proton per molecule. These three acids are much stronger in terms of their ability to donate protons and dissociate in water. Therefore, carbonic acid is the weakest strong acid among the options provided.

Hydrochloric acid is the correct answer because it is naturally found in gastric acid, which is the digestive fluid in the stomach. It is secreted by the cells lining the stomach to aid in the digestion of food. Hydrochloric acid is a strong acid that helps break down proteins and kill bacteria in the stomach. It has a low pH and is highly corrosive. Formic acid, acetic acid, and hydrofluoric acid are not naturally found in gastric acid and do not play a role in digestion.

Perchloric acid is the strongest among the given options because it is a strong acid that completely dissociates in water, releasing a high concentration of hydrogen ions. This high concentration of hydrogen ions makes perchloric acid highly reactive and capable of easily donating protons to other substances. In contrast, hydrofluoric acid, carbonic acid, and phosphoric acid are all weak acids that only partially dissociate in water, resulting in a lower concentration of hydrogen ions and weaker acidity.

Hydrogen iodide is a colorless gas that reacts with water and iodine.

Perchloric acid is formed by adding sodium perchlorate to hydrogen chloride. Sodium perchlorate reacts with hydrogen chloride to produce perchloric acid. This reaction occurs because the sodium cation (Na+) from sodium perchlorate replaces the hydrogen cation (H+) in hydrogen chloride, resulting in the formation of perchloric acid.