Name the five common acids. Justify the reason for these acids being termed as “common”.
Answer
298.2k+ views
Hint: There are various definitions for an acid where each definition gives an appropriate property of what an acid is. These acids can be organic and inorganic in nature and they contain various elements such as sulphur, chlorine and nitrogen as their constituents apart from carbon and hydrogen. They have several uses as some organic acids are found in sour fruits and food additives such as vinegar.
Complete Step by Step Solution:
An acid can be defined according to three different definitions.
A. Arrhenius Theory: According to this theory, any compound which can donate a proton (\[{H^ + }\]) in an aqueous solution is an acid. For example:
\[HN{O_3}(Acid) \Leftrightarrow {H^ + } + NO_3^ - \]
B. Bronsted Lowry Theory: It is the extended version of Arrhenius theory. According to this, any substance which and donate a proton or H+ ion to form a conjugate base can be considered as an acid. To generate an acid, the conjugate base can accept a proton. For example,
\[HF \Leftrightarrow {H^ + } + {F^ - }\] (Conjugate base)
\[{F^ - } + {H^ + } \Leftrightarrow HF\] (acid)
C. Lewis Theory: It is one of the most widely used theories. According to this theory, any substance which can accept a pair of electrons can be considered to be acids. For example:
Among all these different theories of acid-base, the five common acids are: Sulphuric acid (\[{H_2}S{O_4}\]), Nitric acid (\[HN{O_3}\]) Hydrochloric acid (HCl), Acetic acid (\[C{H_3}COOH\]) and Citric acid (COOH-CH2-C(OH)COOH-CH2-COOH) are organic acids and while the later is found in vinegar while the former is found in citrus fruits.
Note: Acids are highly corrosive in nature. They can burn your skin and cause deep wounds. We should always handle acids with care and take precautions while using them in the lab.
Complete Step by Step Solution:
An acid can be defined according to three different definitions.
A. Arrhenius Theory: According to this theory, any compound which can donate a proton (\[{H^ + }\]) in an aqueous solution is an acid. For example:
\[HN{O_3}(Acid) \Leftrightarrow {H^ + } + NO_3^ - \]
B. Bronsted Lowry Theory: It is the extended version of Arrhenius theory. According to this, any substance which and donate a proton or H+ ion to form a conjugate base can be considered as an acid. To generate an acid, the conjugate base can accept a proton. For example,
\[HF \Leftrightarrow {H^ + } + {F^ - }\] (Conjugate base)
\[{F^ - } + {H^ + } \Leftrightarrow HF\] (acid)
C. Lewis Theory: It is one of the most widely used theories. According to this theory, any substance which can accept a pair of electrons can be considered to be acids. For example:
Among all these different theories of acid-base, the five common acids are: Sulphuric acid (\[{H_2}S{O_4}\]), Nitric acid (\[HN{O_3}\]) Hydrochloric acid (HCl), Acetic acid (\[C{H_3}COOH\]) and Citric acid (COOH-CH2-C(OH)COOH-CH2-COOH) are organic acids and while the later is found in vinegar while the former is found in citrus fruits.
Note: Acids are highly corrosive in nature. They can burn your skin and cause deep wounds. We should always handle acids with care and take precautions while using them in the lab.
Recently Updated Pages
Normality of 03 M phosphorus acid H3PO3 is A 05 B 06 class 11 chemistry JEE_Main

A molecule with highest bond energy A Fluorine B Chlorine class 11 chemistry JEE_Main

A 30 solution of H2O2 is marketed as 100 volume hydrogen class 11 chemistry JEE_Main

Covalent compounds generally have low melting and boiling class 11 chemistry JEE_Main

When an acid reacts with a metal carbonate or metal class 11 chemistry JEE_Main

The degeneracy of hydrogen atom that has equal energy class 11 chemistry JEE_Main

Trending doubts
JEE Main 2026: Exam Dates, Session 2 Updates, City Slip, Admit Card & Latest News

Understanding the Electric Field of a Uniformly Charged Ring

Understanding Atomic Structure for Beginners

Electron Gain Enthalpy and Electron Affinity Explained

Derivation of Equation of Trajectory Explained for Students

How to Convert a Galvanometer into an Ammeter or Voltmeter

Other Pages
JEE Advanced Percentile vs Marks 2026: JEE Main Cutoff, AIR & IIT Admission Guide

NCERT Solutions For Class 11 Chemistry In Hindi Chapter 1 Some Basic Concepts Of Chemistry - 2026-27 Free PDF Download (Sign-in Required)

JEE Advanced 2026 Notification Out with Exam Date, Registration (Extended), Syllabus and More

Understanding the Different Types of Solutions in Chemistry

What Are Current and Potential Difference in Electricity?

JEE Advanced Weightage Chapter Wise 2026 for Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics

