Is HCl (Hydrochloric acid) an Acid or Base?

Answer:

HCl (Hydrochloric acid) is an acid.

Explanation:

Today we will know about whether HCl (hydrochloric acid) is an acid or Base in just four steps.

              Step-1:

HCl gives hydrogen ion into water ,H₂O.We know that an acid gives hydrogen ion  in water.So HCl is an acid.HCl is an acid according to Arrhenius concept of acid and base concept.

HCl ----> Cl  + H⁺

             

           Step-2:

HCl reacts with an base to produce salt and water.So HCl is an acid.

HCl +NaOH ----> NaCl  + H₂O

HCl =Acid

NaOH =Base

NaCl=Salt

H₂O =Water

              Step-3:

HCl gives proton(H⁺) to a base NH₃.Since HCl is a proton donar , HCl is an acid.According to Brønsted–Lowry concept of acid and base, also called proton theory of acids and bases, HCl is an acid.

HCl +NH₃ ---->  NH₄Cl

             

           Step-4:

HCl turns blue litmus paper into red.We know that an acid can do that.So,HCl is an acid.

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