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Which of the following are mentioned as common mineral acid that are very corrosive in their concentrated form?
Acetic acid, citric acid, tartaric acid
Carbonic acid, phosphoric acid, boric acid
Sulphuric acid, hydrochloric acid, nitric acid
Formic acid, lactic acid, malic acid
None of the above
Sulphuric acid, hydrochloric acid, nitric acid
Mineral acids, also known as inorganic acids, are derived from inorganic minerals. Concentrated sulphuric acid (H2тАЛSO4тАЛ), hydrochloric acid (HCl), and nitric acid (HNO3тАЛ) are classified as highly corrosive because they readily donate protons (H+ ions) and can cause severe chemical burns to human tissue and materials.
Mineral acids, also known as inorganic acids, are derived from inorganic minerals. Concentrated sulphuric acid (H2тАЛSO4тАЛ), hydrochloric acid (HCl), and nitric acid (HNO3тАЛ) are classified as highly corrosive because they readily donate protons (H+ ions) and can cause severe chemical burns to human tissue and materials.
Think of a mineral acid like a 'chemical fire'тАФjust as a fire consumes wood by oxidation, these concentrated acids aggressively strip electrons or water molecules from materials they contact.
SHN: Sulphuric, Hydrochloric, Nitric are the 'Strongly Harmful Nexus' of acids.
H2тАЛSO4тАЛтЖТ2H++SO42тИТтАЛ тАФ Dissociation of sulphuric acid
HClтЖТH++ClтИТ тАФ Dissociation of hydrochloric acid
HNO3тАЛтЖТH++NO3тИТтАЛ тАФ Dissociation of nitric acid
The corrosive nature is primarily due to their strong electrolytic dissociation in water, producing a high concentration of hydronium ions (H3тАЛO+). Concentrated sulphuric acid acts as a powerful dehydrating agent, while concentrated nitric acid is a potent oxidizing agent; both can destroy organic matter by removing water or via exothermic oxidative reactions.
Mineral acids are acids prepared from minerals, contrasting with organic acids found in plants or animals.
Concentrated mineral acids are dangerous and should be handled in a laboratory under a fume hood using PPE.
Corrosivity refers to the ability to damage materials or living tissue through direct chemical contact.
Essential for industrial chemical synthesis, fertilizers, and metallurgy.
Extremely hazardous to skin and eyes; cause severe, deep-tissue burns.
Used in lead-acid storage batteries (H2тАЛSO4тАЛ).
Used in pickling of metals to remove rust (HCl).
Option A (Acetic, Citric, Tartaric) lists common weak organic acids found in vinegar, lemons, and grapes.
Option B (Carbonic, Phosphoric, Boric) includes weak mineral acids that are generally less corrosive than the concentrated mineral trio.
C is correct тАФ Sulphuric acid, hydrochloric acid, and nitric acid are the quintessential examples of highly corrosive mineral acids.
Always remember that organic acids (containing the тИТCOOH group) are generally weaker than mineral acids, which is a common trick in competitive chemistry questions.