What is the correct name for HF (aq)? monohydrogen fluoride hydrofluoric acid fluoric acid hydrogen fluoride hydrofluoric acid
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct name for HF (aq) is hydrofluoric acid.
Explanation:
HF stands for hydrogen fluoride, a compound made of one hydrogen atom and one fluorine atom. When HF is dissolved in water (aqueous solution, indicated by “aq”), it behaves as an acid. The correct naming of HF (aq) depends on the rules for naming binary acids.
Binary Acids Naming Rules:
A binary acid consists of hydrogen and one nonmetal element (usually a halogen), and it is dissolved in water. The naming convention for binary acids is:
- Start with the prefix “hydro–”
- Follow it with the root of the nonmetal’s name (in this case, fluor from fluorine)
- Add the suffix “–ic acid”
So, HF (aq) becomes:
hydro + fluor + ic acid → hydrofluoric acid
Why Other Options Are Incorrect:
- Monohydrogen fluoride
This name is not used in acid naming. It might suggest a molecular compound but not an acid in water. - Fluoric acid
This is not a correct name. The “hydro–” prefix is missing and it’s not consistent with IUPAC naming for binary acids. - Hydrogen fluoride
This is the correct name for HF in gas form, but not for the aqueous acid. Once HF is in water, the name changes to hydrofluoric acid. - Hydrofluoric acid
This is repeated but correct.
Summary:
- HF (g) → hydrogen fluoride (not an acid yet)
- HF (aq) → hydrofluoric acid (acts as an acid in solution)
Therefore, the correct name for HF (aq) is hydrofluoric acid.
