What is the chemical formula for hydrochloric acid?

Hydrochloric acid is represented by the chemical formula HCl. This formula indicates that each molecule of hydrochloric acid consists of one hydrogen atom (H) and one chlorine atom (Cl).

Understanding the composition is crucial, as hydrochloric acid is a strong acid commonly used in laboratories and industrial applications, often for pH regulation and cleaning purposes. The simplicity of its formula reflects its significance in chemical reactions, particularly when it dissociates in water to release hydrogen ions (H⁺), contributing to its acidic properties.

In the context of the other options, H₂SO₄ refers to sulfuric acid, NaOH is sodium hydroxide (a strong base), and H₂O is water. Each of these compounds serves very different roles in chemistry compared to hydrochloric acid. Recognizing the unique formula of hydrochloric acid helps in understanding its behaviors and interactions in chemical processes.