Question

How can I identify an Arrhenius acid?

Answer 1

Usually the formula of an Arrhenius acid begins with H.

You can find the definition of an Arrhenius acid at

http://socratic.org/questions/what-must-an-arrhenius-acid-contain

Examples of Arrhenius acids are

Hydrochloric acid, HCl
Nitric acid, HNO₃
Sulfuric acid, H₂SO₄
Acetic acid, HC₂H₃O₂

These all have H as the first element in the formula.

Note: Acetic acid is a carboxylic acid. When you take organic chemistry, you will learn that carboxylic acids are usually written with the acidic H at the end. Thus, in organic chemistry, the formula for acetic acid is CH₃COOH.