Question

give the correct formula for hydrochloric acid. express your answer as a chemical formula. a chemical reaction does not occur for this question.

Explanation:

Step1: Recall Hydrochloric Acid Composition

Hydrochloric acid is an aqueous solution of hydrogen chloride. Hydrogen has a +1 charge ($\ce{H+}$) and chloride has a -1 charge ($\ce{Cl-}$).

Step2: Determine Chemical Formula

To form a neutral compound, one $\ce{H+}$ combines with one $\ce{Cl-}$, so the formula is $\ce{HCl}$ (in aqueous form, it's $\ce{HCl(aq)}$, but the formula for the compound is $\ce{HCl}$).

Answer:

$\ce{HCl}$