Question

which is the correct formula for hydrochloric acid?
a. clh
b. hcl
c. h₂cl
d. clh

Explanation:

Step1: Recall Hydrochloric Acid Composition

Hydrochloric acid is an aqueous solution of hydrogen chloride gas. Hydrogen has a +1 charge (\(H^+\)) and chloride (from chlorine, \(Cl\)) has a -1 charge (\(Cl^-\)). In ionic compounds (or acids here), the formula is written with the cation (positive ion) first, then the anion (negative ion). So hydrogen (\(H^+\)) comes before chloride (\(Cl^-\)).

Step2: Evaluate Options

• Option A: \(ClH\) – Incorrect order (chloride before hydrogen, which is not standard for this acid).
• Option B: \(HCl\) – Follows the cation (H⁺) first, anion (Cl⁻) second, and the ratio is 1:1 (since charges balance: +1 + (-1) = 0). This is the correct formula for hydrogen chloride (hydrochloric acid in solution).
• Option C: \(H_2Cl\) – Incorrect ratio (hydrogen and chloride don't combine in 2:1 ratio here; charges would not balance as \(2(+1) + (-1) = +1

eq 0\)).

• Option D: \(ClH\) (note: "CLH" has a typo, should be "ClH" but still incorrect order as in A).

Answer:

B. HCl