Question

chlorous acid
express your answer as a chemical formula.
a chemical reaction does not occur for this question.

Explanation:

Step1: Identify the acid type

Chlorous acid is an oxyacid. The chlorite ion is $\ce{ClO_2^-}$. In an acid, the cation is $\ce{H^+}$. To balance the charge, one $\ce{H^+}$ combines with one $\ce{ClO_2^-}$.

Step2: Write the formula

The formula is formed by combining $\ce{H^+}$ and $\ce{ClO_2^-}$, so the formula for chlorous acid is $\ce{HClO_2}$.

Answer:

$\ce{HClO_2}$