Question

question 2

which of the following is best defined as a weak acid?

\\(\text{hno}_3\text{ (aq)}\\)
hydrochloric acid
\\(\text{hbr (aq)}\\)
hypochlorous acid
\\(\text{hclo}_4\text{ (aq)}\\)

Explanation:

Identify strong acids

The common strong acids are \(\text{HCl}\), \(\text{HBr}\), \(\text{HI}\), \(\text{HNO}_3\), \(\text{HClO}_4\), \(\text{HClO}_3\), and \(\text{H}_2\text{SO}_4\).
From the options:

• \(\text{HNO}_3\text{ (aq)}\) (Nitric acid) is a strong acid.
• Hydrochloric acid (\(\text{HCl}\)) is a strong acid.
• \(\text{HBr (aq)}\) (Hydrobromic acid) is a strong acid.
• \(\text{HClO}_4\text{ (aq)}\) (Perchloric acid) is a strong acid.

Identify the weak acid

Hypochlorous acid (\(\text{HClO}\)) is not on the list of common strong acids. It only partially dissociates in aqueous solution, which is the definition of a weak acid.

Answer:

• \(HNO_3\) (aq)
• Hydrochloric acid
• HBr (aq)
• Hypochlorous acid (Correct answer)
• \(HClO_4\) (aq)