Arrange the following compounds in increasing order of acidic strength :
p-nitrophenol, ethanol, phenol

Explanation

To arrange the compounds p-nitrophenol, ethanol, and phenol in increasing order of acidic strength, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Understand the Concept of Acidity
Acidity is determined by the ability of a compound to donate a proton (H⁺). The presence of electron-withdrawing groups increases acidity, while electron-donating groups decrease acidity.

### Step 2: Identify the Compounds and Their Structures
1. **p-Nitrophenol**: This compound has a nitro group (-NO₂) attached to the para position of the phenol ring.
2. **Ethanol**: This is a simple alcohol with the structure CH₃CH₂OH.
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