Which of the following is a mineral acid ?

Options

A. citric acid
B. acetic acid
C. carbonic acid
D. oxalic acid

Answer

To determine which of the following is a mineral acid, we need to first understand what a mineral acid is.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Definition of Mineral Acid**:
- Mineral acids, also known as inorganic acids, are acids that are derived from non-living things. They do not contain carbon-hydrogen (C-H) bonds, which are characteristic of organic compounds.

2. **Identifying the Options**:
- We have four options to analyze:
- Option 1: Citric Acid
- Option 2: Acetic Acid
- Option 3: Carbonic Acid
- Option 4: Oxalic Acid

3. **Analyzing Each Option**:
- **Citric Acid**: This is an organic acid found in citrus fruits. It contains carbon and is therefore not a mineral acid.
- **Acetic Acid**: This is also an organic acid, commonly found in vinegar. It contains carbon and is not classified as a mineral acid.
- **Carbonic Acid**: This is an inorganic acid with the formula H2CO3. It is derived from carbon dioxide and water, making it a mineral acid.
- **Oxalic Acid**: This is another organic acid, often found in plants like rhubarb and spinach. It contains carbon and is not a mineral acid.

4. **Conclusion**:
- Among the options provided, only Carbonic Acid (Option 3) is classified as a mineral acid.

### Final Answer:
- The mineral acid from the options given is **Carbonic Acid (Option 3)**.