Which formula represents hydrochloric acid, a strong acid?

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Multiple Choice

Which formula represents hydrochloric acid, a strong acid?

Explanation:
A strong acid is one that dissociates completely in water, giving a high concentration of hydronium ions. Hydrochloric acid fits this pattern: its formula is HCl, and in aqueous solution it dissociates almost completely into H3O+ and Cl−. That complete dissociation is what makes it a strong acid. The other options are different acids with different formulas: citric acid is C6H8O7, phosphoric acid is H3PO4, and acetic acid is CH3COOH. These acids are weaker and do not dissociate completely in solution under typical conditions, so they’re not the strong acid referred to here. So the formula representing hydrochloric acid is HCl.

A strong acid is one that dissociates completely in water, giving a high concentration of hydronium ions. Hydrochloric acid fits this pattern: its formula is HCl, and in aqueous solution it dissociates almost completely into H3O+ and Cl−. That complete dissociation is what makes it a strong acid.

The other options are different acids with different formulas: citric acid is C6H8O7, phosphoric acid is H3PO4, and acetic acid is CH3COOH. These acids are weaker and do not dissociate completely in solution under typical conditions, so they’re not the strong acid referred to here.

So the formula representing hydrochloric acid is HCl.

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