Binary Acid Definition in Chemistry

What Is a Binary Acid?

Hydrochloric acid molecule
Hydrochloric acid is an example of a binary acid. ollaweila, Getty Images
By
Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D.
Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D.
Chemistry Expert
  • Ph.D., Biomedical Sciences, University of Tennessee at Knoxville
  • B.A., Physics and Mathematics, Hastings College
Dr. Helmenstine holds a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences and is a science writer, educator, and consultant. She has taught science courses at the high school, college, and graduate levels.
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Updated on July 08, 2019

A binary acid is a binary compound where one element is hydrogen and the other is a nonmetal. Binary acids are also known as hydracids.

Litmus strips measuring an acid
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Acid Definition and Examples
By Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D.

Binary Acid Examples

Hydrochloric acid (HCl), hydrofluoric acid (HF), and hydroiodic acid (HI) are all binary acids. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a binary acid. Even though a hydrogen sulfide molecule consists of three atoms, there are only two elements. One is hydrogen, while sulfur is a nonmetal.

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Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "Binary Acid Definition in Chemistry." ThoughtCo, Feb. 16, 2021, thoughtco.com/definition-of-binary-acid-604827. Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. (2021, February 16). Binary Acid Definition in Chemistry. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/definition-of-binary-acid-604827 Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "Binary Acid Definition in Chemistry." ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/definition-of-binary-acid-604827 (accessed April 26, 2024).