Which acid has formula CH3COOH?

Which acid has formula CH3COOH?

• A. Nitric acid
• B. Acetic acid
• C. Sulfuric acid
• D. Carbonic acid

Answer: (B)

Identifying an acid from its formula by focusing on the carbon framework and the recognizable COOH group helps here. CH3COOH shows a CH3 group attached to a COOH group, which is the hallmark structure of acetic (ethanoic) acid. It’s the two-carbon carboxylic acid commonly found in vinegar. The other acids listed have different atoms or groups in their formulas: nitric acid contains nitrogen (N), sulfuric acid contains sulfur (S), and carbonic acid has a different arrangement without the CH3-COOH pattern. So CH3COOH corresponds to acetic acid.

Identifying an acid from its formula by focusing on the carbon framework and the recognizable COOH group helps here. CH3COOH shows a CH3 group attached to a COOH group, which is the hallmark structure of acetic (ethanoic) acid. It’s the two-carbon carboxylic acid commonly found in vinegar. The other acids listed have different atoms or groups in their formulas: nitric acid contains nitrogen (N), sulfuric acid contains sulfur (S), and carbonic acid has a different arrangement without the CH3-COOH pattern. So CH3COOH corresponds to acetic acid.