Which of the following is the correct nomenclature for a binary acid?

• A. hydrochloric acid
• B. chlorous acid
• C. hydrogen chloride acid
• D. chloric acid

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that binary acids are acids composed of hydrogen and one other nonmetal element.
2. Recall that the nomenclature for binary acids follows the pattern: 'hydro-' + root of the nonmetal element + '-ic acid'.
3. Identify the nonmetal element in the acid; for example, chlorine in hydrochloric acid.
4. Apply the naming rule: since chlorine is the nonmetal, the acid formed with hydrogen is named 'hydrochloric acid'.
5. Recognize that names like 'chlorous acid' and 'chloric acid' refer to oxyacids (contain oxygen), and 'hydrogen chloride acid' is not a correct nomenclature.