Compare and arrange these compounds in increasing order of acidity. Provide a suitable reason for your answer.
CH₃CH₂OH, HCOOH, HCl, HBr, CH₄, and CH₃CH(Cl)COOH

• A. (Weakest acid) CH₄ < CH₃CH₂OH < HCOOH < CH₃CH(Cl)COOH < HCl < HBr (Strongest acid)
• B. (Weakest acid) CH₄ < HCOOH < CH₃CH₂OH < CH₃CH(Cl)COOH < HCl < HBr (Strongest acid)
• C. (Weakest acid) HCl < HBr < CH₃CH₂OH < HCOOH < CH₃CH(Cl)COOH < CH₄ (Strongest acid)
• D. (Weakest acid) HCl < HBr < CH₃CH(Cl)COOH < HCOOH < CH₃CH₂OH < CH₄ (Strongest acid)

Answer: (A)