Question

Which of the following is an example of mineral acid?
A. Sulphuric acid
B. Acetic acid
C. Tartaric acid
D. All of above

Answer 1

Hint: It is one of the strongest acids and has a molecular weight of 98 units. It is manufactured through the contact process.

Complete answer:
First let us try to understand what mineral acids are,
A Mineral acid is any acid derived from an inorganic compound that dissociates to produce hydrogen ions (H+) in water. Mineral acids range from superacids (perchloric acid) to very weak (boric acid). These acids tend to be best soluble in water and insoluble in organic solvents. The main difference between mineral acid and organic acid is that mineral acids are inorganic compounds of different chemical element combinations whereas organic acids are organic compounds essentially composed of carbon and hydrogen atoms. They are highly soluble in organic solvents.

Now, let us see an example of mineral acid;
Sulphuric acid is called mineral acid as it is made from minerals of the same anions. Sulfuric acid is made from sulfate minerals. Sulfuric acid, also known as oil of vitriol, is a mineral acid composed of the elements sulfur, oxygen and hydrogen, with molecular formula H2SO4. It is a colourless , odorless, and viscous liquid that is soluble in water and is synthesized in reactions that are highly exothermic.
Whereas, acetic acid and tartaric acid are organic acids.

Therefore, Option A is your answer.

Note: Sulphuric acid is called "king of acids" because of it's direct and indirect applications in the manufacture of many chemicals including fertilizers. Sulphuric acid is used to clean up rust from steel rolls and soaps.