What is the correct name for the acid with the formula H_3PO_4?

• A. Hydrophosphoric acid
• B. Phosphic acid
• C. Phosphoric acid
• D. Phosphorous acid

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the chemical formula given: \(\mathrm{H_3PO_4}\).
2. Recognize that this formula corresponds to an acid containing hydrogen (H), phosphorus (P), and oxygen (O).
3. Recall the naming conventions for oxyacids of phosphorus: acids with phosphorus in the +5 oxidation state and four oxygen atoms are named 'phosphoric acid'.
4. Compare the given options with the standard acid names: 'Phosphoric acid' is the correct name for \(\mathrm{H_3PO_4}\).
5. Understand that 'Phosphorous acid' corresponds to \(\mathrm{H_3PO_3}\), which has fewer oxygen atoms, and the other options are incorrect or nonstandard names.