m-Hydroxybenzoic acid is a stronger acid than benzoic acid while p-hydroxybenzoic acid is weaker. Explain.

Explanation

To explain why m-hydroxybenzoic acid is a stronger acid than benzoic acid while p-hydroxybenzoic acid is weaker, we need to analyze the effects of the hydroxyl (–OH) group on the acidity of the carboxylic acid (–COOH) group in these compounds.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Structures**:
- **Benzoic Acid**: It has a carboxylic acid group (–COOH) attached to a benzene ring.
- **m-Hydroxybenzoic Acid**: It has a hydroxyl group (–OH) at the meta position relative to the carboxylic acid group.
- **p-Hydroxybenzoic Acid**: It has a hydroxyl group (–OH) at the para position relative to the carboxylic acid group.
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