Learning Path
Question & Answer1
Understand Question2
Review Options3
Learn Explanation4
Explore TopicChoose the Best Answer
A
Hydrochloric acid
B
Sodium bicarbonate
C
Water
D
Citric acid
E
Sugar
Understanding the Answer
Let's break down why this is correct
Answer
Acids are substances that give away a proton or have a pH below 7, while bases take up a proton or have a pH above 7. For example, hydrochloric acid (HCl) donates a proton to water, making the solution acidic, whereas sodium hydroxide (NaOH) accepts a proton and makes the solution basic. Other common acids are sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) and acetic acid (CH₃COOH), and common bases include ammonia (NH₃) and calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂). When you add an acid to water, the pH drops; when you add a base, the pH rises. Thus, any substance that can donate or accept a proton can be classified as an acid or a base.
Detailed Explanation
Hydrochloric acid is a strong acid, meaning it releases hydrogen ions (H+) easily in water. Other options are incorrect because Water is neutral; it does not donate or accept protons strongly enough to be called an acid or base; Sugar is a carbohydrate, not a chemical that can donate or accept protons.
Key Concepts
Acids and Bases
pH Scale
Chemical Reactions
Topic
Acids and Bases
Difficulty
easy level question
Cognitive Level
understand
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