Which of the following gives the correct increasing order of acidic strength?
(a) Water <Acetic acid <Hydrochloric acid
(b) Water <Hydrochloric acid <Acetic acid
(c) Acetic acid <Water <Hydrochloric acid
(d) Hydrochloric acid <Water <Acetic acid
Answer: (a)
Hydrochloric acid is a mineral acid and ionises completely in water, that's why it is a strong acid.
Acetic acid is an organic acid and ionises only partially in water, hence, it is a weak acid. Water is neutral .
Thus, the order of acidity is
water < acetic acid < hydrochloric acid.