Why do HCl, HNO3, etc., show acidic characters in aqueous solutions while solutions of compounds like alcohol and glucose do not show acidic character?

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Chapter 2

NCERT

Class 10

Science

Solutions

1. Why do HCl, HNO3, etc., show acidic characters in aqueous solutions while solutions of compounds like alcohol and glucose do not show acidic character?

Question:

Why do HCl, HNO₃, etc., show acidic characters in aqueous solutions while solutions of compounds like alcohol and glucose do not show acidic character?

Answer:

Acidic nature

An acid will always have a lower pH than (less than 7) anything that is basic (greater than 7).
The term acid is derived from acidus, a Latin word meaning sour or harsh. It originally meant "of the flavour of the inegar." Lemon juice and other acids are included in acidic substances.

Aqueous Solution Acidic Nature

The acidic nature of any compound is directly proportional to the H⁺ or hydrogen ion concentration.
HCL (hydrochloric acid) and HNO₃ (nitric acid) get dissolved in the aqueous solution, and a hydrogen ion is produced.
Compounds like alcohol and glucose are basic in nature and don't generate hydrogen ions, thus not showing acidic behaviour.

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