Which one of the following was the first mineral acid discovered ?
[amp_mcq option1=”Sulphuric acid” option2=”Hydrochloric acid” option3=”Nitric acid” option4=”Phosphoric acid” correct=”option3″]
This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-2 – 2020
Nitric acid was one of the first mineral acids discovered.
Mineral acids are acids derived from inorganic compounds. Historically, strong mineral acids like nitric acid, sulfuric acid, and hydrochloric acid were developed by alchemists and early chemists during the Middle Ages. Nitric acid (aqua fortis) is often credited to the Arab alchemist Jabir ibn Hayyan (Geber) in the 8th century, produced by distilling saltpetre (potassium nitrate) with vitriol (sulfates).