Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
A binary acid is a type of acid that consists of hydrogen and one other non-metal element. Examples include hydrochloric acid (HCl) and hydrobromic acid (HBr).
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
Binary acids are named using the prefix 'hydro-' followed by the base name of the non-metal element, ending with '-ic' and the word 'acid'.
Binary acids typically dissociate in water to produce H+ ions and anions.
The strength of a binary acid depends on the bond strength between hydrogen and the non-metal; weaker bonds result in stronger acids.
Common examples of binary acids include HCl, HBr, and HI.
Binary acids are different from oxyacids, which contain hydrogen, oxygen, and another element.
Review Questions
Related terms
Oxyacid: An acid that contains hydrogen, oxygen, and another element. Examples include sulfuric acid (H2SO4) and nitric acid (HNO3).
$\text{pH}$ scale: A measure of acidity or basicity of an aqueous solution. Solutions with a pH less than 7 are acidic.
$\text{Arrhenius Acid}$: $\text{A substance that increases the concentration of} \text{H}^+ \text{ions when dissolved in water.}$