Which formula represents sulfuric acid, a strong mineral acid?

Which formula represents sulfuric acid, a strong mineral acid?

• A. H2SO3
• B. HCl
• C. H3PO4
• D. H2SO4

Answer: (D)

Strong mineral acids ionize readily in water, giving a large concentration of hydronium ions. Sulfuric acid fits this description and has the formula H2SO4, consisting of two hydrogens attached to a sulfate group. In solution, it donates its first proton almost completely, forming HSO4− and H3O+, which makes the solution highly acidic, with the second proton donated to a lesser extent. The other formulas correspond to different acids: H2SO3 is sulfurous acid (weaker), HCl is hydrochloric acid, and H3PO4 is phosphoric acid (a weaker polyprotic acid). Thus, the formula for sulfuric acid is H2SO4.

Strong mineral acids ionize readily in water, giving a large concentration of hydronium ions. Sulfuric acid fits this description and has the formula H2SO4, consisting of two hydrogens attached to a sulfate group. In solution, it donates its first proton almost completely, forming HSO4− and H3O+, which makes the solution highly acidic, with the second proton donated to a lesser extent. The other formulas correspond to different acids: H2SO3 is sulfurous acid (weaker), HCl is hydrochloric acid, and H3PO4 is phosphoric acid (a weaker polyprotic acid). Thus, the formula for sulfuric acid is H2SO4.