The correct formula for sulfuric acid is
A H2SO4
B H2SO3
C H2CO3
D ΗΝΟ3
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct formula for sulfuric acid is:
A. H₂SO₄
Explanation:
Sulfuric acid is one of the most important industrial chemicals and is widely used in various applications, including manufacturing fertilizers, refining petroleum, and in chemical synthesis. To understand why H₂SO₄ is the correct formula, let’s break it down:
- Composition of Sulfuric Acid:
Sulfuric acid is composed of hydrogen (H), sulfur (S), and oxygen (O). The central sulfur atom in sulfuric acid is surrounded by four oxygen atoms, two of which are double-bonded to sulfur. The other two oxygen atoms are single-bonded and attached to hydrogen ions (H⁺), making the molecule an acid because it can donate hydrogen ions in solution. - Naming Acids:
The names of acids are derived from their anions (negatively charged ions). The sulfate ion (SO₄²⁻) is the basis of sulfuric acid. The “ic” suffix in “sulfuric acid” corresponds to the “ate” in “sulfate.” - Other Options:
- H₂SO₃ (B): This is sulfurous acid, not sulfuric acid. It is derived from the sulfite ion (SO₃²⁻) and is a weaker acid compared to sulfuric acid.
- H₂CO₃ (C): This is carbonic acid, formed when carbon dioxide dissolves in water. It is not related to sulfuric acid.
- HNO₃ (D): This is nitric acid, which is based on the nitrate ion (NO₃⁻). It is a completely different acid.
- Structure and Properties of H₂SO₄:
Sulfuric acid is a strong acid, meaning it dissociates completely in water to produce H⁺ and SO₄²⁻ ions. Its formula, H₂SO₄, reflects its ability to release two hydrogen ions per molecule in an aqueous solution.
In summary, H₂SO₄ is the correct chemical formula for sulfuric acid because it corresponds to the sulfate ion (SO₄²⁻) and its chemical structure and behavior as an acid.