Which of the following mineral acids can attack \(\mathrm{SiO}_2\) ?
Which of the following mineral acids can attack \(\mathrm{SiO}_2\) ?
Conc. \(\mathrm{HNO}_3\)
\(\mathrm{H}_2 \mathrm{SO}_4\)
HF
\(\mathrm{HCl}\)
Solution
Although hydrofluoric acid (HF) is a weak acid, it does attack silicates very effectively. For this reason, its primary laboratory use is to attack and dissolve silicate minerals. Hence, the correct option is (c).