Question map
Not attempted Correct Incorrect ★ Bookmarked
Loading…
Q98 (NDA-II/2020) Science & Technology › Basic Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) › Basic chemical principles

Which one of the following was the first mineral acid discovered?

Result
Your answer: —  Â·  Correct: C
Explanation

Nitric acid is widely considered the first mineral acid to be discovered and described in chemical literature. Its discovery is traditionally attributed to the 8th-century Persian alchemist Jabir ibn Hayyan (Geber), who synthesized it by heating saltpeter (potassium nitrate) with vitriol and alum. This substance, known in Latin as 'aqua fortis' (strong water), was significant for its ability to dissolve metals. While Jabir is also credited with the discovery of sulfuric and hydrochloric acids, nitric acid was the first among them to be clearly isolated and utilized in alchemical processes. Sulfuric acid (oil of vitriol) followed, and hydrochloric acid was later produced by mixing common salt with vitriol or by combining nitric and hydrochloric acids to form 'aqua regia'. Phosphoric acid was discovered much later, in the 17th century, following the isolation of phosphorus.

How others answered
Each bar shows the % of students who chose that option. Green bar = correct answer, blue outline = your choice.
Community Performance
Out of everyone who attempted this question.
11%
got it right
✓ Thank you! We'll review this.

SIMILAR QUESTIONS

NDA-II · 2018 · Q30 Relevance score: 19.42(s)

Which one of the following is a tribasic acid?

NDA-II · 2023 · Q89 Relevance score: 18.79(s)

Which one of the following acid is used by goldsmith for cleaning of gold and silver articles ?

NDA-I · 2019 · Q33 Relevance score: 15.57(s)

Which one of the following is an organic acid?

NDA-I · 2013 · Q85 Relevance score: 15.42(s)

The acid in gastric juice is