Question

The pH of 1 N aqueous solutions of HCl, CH$_3$COOH and HCOOH follows the order:

• A. HCl $>$ HCOOH $>$ CH$_3$COOH
• B. HCl $=$ HCOOH $>$ CH$_3$COOH
• C. CH$_3$COOH $>$ HCOOH $>$ HCl
• D. CH$_3$COOH $=$ HCOOH $>$ HCl

Hint:

The stronger the acid, the lower its pH value. Therefore, the pH order is the reverse of the acid strength order.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: {Acid Strength vs. pH}
Higher acid strength corresponds to a lower pH, and lower acid strength corresponds to a higher pH. 
Step 2: {Acid Strength Ranking} 
The provided acids are ranked by strength as follows: \[ {HCl}>{HCOOH}>{CH}_3{COOH} \] 
Step 3: {pH Ranking} 
Consequently, their pH values are ranked in this order: \[ {CH}_3{COOH}>{HCOOH}>{HCl} \] Therefore, option (C) is the correct answer.