At equal concentration which concentrated acid is the most corrosive out of hydrochloric, sulphuric and nitric.
I wouldn't want to bathe in any of the three but I think HNO3 is by far the most corrosive (and remember corrosive is not a very unscientific term so the answer could depend upon how we define corrosive.)
DrBob answered the question the way most of us would. A little added information here: Corrosive to most people means an oxidizing agent. It causes the oxidation (rise in oxidation number) of other elements, especially metals. More metals dissolve in HNO3 that they do in the other two acids. Example: Copper and silver do not react with HCl and H2SO4 under ordinary conditions. However, copper and silver dissolve readily in HNO3 forming Cu(NO3)2 and AgNO3 in which the oxidation state of the metal is higher after changing to its nitrate salt. That is "corrosion" in the sense of oxidation. The rule implied here ("HNO3 is more corrosive") is not universal. Aluminum can be oxidized easily by HCl and H2SO4 but not by HNO3.
I need to correct my sentence above to read, "Corrosive is not a very scientific term" .......
Thanks to GK for the added comments.
To determine which concentrated acid is the most corrosive at equal concentration, we need to consider their properties and reactions.
Corrosiveness is typically measured by an acid's ability to react with and erode certain substances, such as metals or other materials. In this case, we will consider the corrosiveness of hydrochloric acid (HCl), sulphuric acid (H2SO4), and nitric acid (HNO3) at equal concentrations.
Each of these acids has different properties and reacts differently when in contact with various substances:
1. Hydrochloric acid (HCl) is a strong acid that dissociates completely in water, releasing H+ ions. It is particularly corrosive to metals and can dissolve them readily, forming metal chlorides.
2. Sulphuric acid (H2SO4) is also a strong acid that dissociates into H+ and SO4^-2 ions. It is highly corrosive to various materials, including metals and organic compounds. Its dehydrating properties can cause it to react violently with some substances.
3. Nitric acid (HNO3) is a strong acid that dissociates to release H+ and NO3^- ions. It is a potent oxidizer and is highly corrosive to metals, especially in concentrated form. Nitric acid is known for its ability to dissolve metals like copper and silver.
Comparing the three acids, it is generally observed that nitric acid is the most corrosive at equal concentrations. This is due to its strong oxidizing properties, which enhance its corrosive nature when in contact with metals.
Remember, when handling any concentrated acid, it is important to exercise caution and follow proper safety protocols, including wearing gloves, goggles, and working in a well-ventilated area.
It's advisable to consult scientific literature or reference material for more precise information specific to your concentration and application.