Question

Which statement is true about HCl? (5 points) Select one: a. It is a salt because it increases the concentration of metallic ions. B. It is a salt because it is formed by the reaction of an acid and a base. C. It is an acid because it increases the concentration of hydroxyl ions. D. It is an acid because it increases the concentration of hydronium ions.

Answer 1

ANSWER

It is an acid because it increases the concentration of hydronium ions.

HCl is an acid. When HCl is added into water, it undergoes the following dissociation:

  HCl + H₂O(l) → H₃O⁺(aq) + Cl⁻(aq).

The Arrhenius definition defines acids as subtances that release H⁺(aq) when put in water. This H⁺(aq) ions that HCl releases reacts with water to form H₃O (hydronium), leading to an increase in concentration of H₃O.