Identify the strong acid from the list

Solution

Hydrochloric acid (HCl) is recognized as a strong acid because it completely dissociates into hydrogen ions (H⁺) and chloride ions (Cl⁻) in water, which significantly contributes to its high acidity with a typical pH of about 1 in concentrated solutions. In contrast, acetic acid is only partially dissociative, exhibiting weaker acidic properties. Citric acid, common in citrus fruits, and carbonic acid, formed by CO₂ dissolution in water, are also weak acids, only partially releasing H⁺ ions in solutions.