Question

Which of the following gives the correct increasing order of acidic strength?
(a) Water < Acetic Acid< Hydrochloric Acid
(b) Water < Hydrochloric Acid < Acetic Acid
(c) Acetic Acid < Water < Hydrochloric Acid
(d) Hydrochloric Acid < Water < Acetic Acid

Answer 1

Hydrochloric acid is a mineral acid and ionises completely in water, and hence, it is a strong acid.
Acetic acid is an organic acid and ionises partially in water, hence, it is a weak acid.
Water is usually neutral in nature.
Thus, the correct order of acidic strength is - water < acetic acid < hydrochloric acid, i.e option (a).