Question

Choose an example of inorganic acid (mineral acid) from the following.

• A. Oxalic acid
• B. Acetic acid
• C. Nitric acid
• D. Formic acid

Answer 1

The correct option is C

Nitric acid

The explanation for the correct option:

(C)

• Acids which are taken from minerals present in the earth’s crust are called mineral acids. These acids do not contain Carbon (C) atoms in their compounds and are made up of one or more inorganic compounds.
• The chemical formula of Nitric acid is HNO₃. Nitric acid does not contain a Carbon (C) atom in its formula. Hence, it is a mineral acid.

The explanation for the incorrect options:

• (A) The chemical formula of Oxalic acid is C₂H₂O₄. The formula C₂H₂O₄ contains a Carbon atom. Hence, it is not a mineral acid.
• (B) The chemical formula of Acetic acid is CH₃COOH. The formula CH₃COOH contains a Carbon atom. Hence, it is not a mineral acid.
• (D) The chemical formula of Formic Acid is HCOOH. The formula HCOOH contains a Carbon atom. Hence, it is not a mineral acid.

Final Answer: Hence, option (C) is correct. Nitric acid is an inorganic acid.