Which can do glass etching ?

Options

A. `HIO_(4)`
B. HF
C. `HNO_3`
D. `SIF_4`

Answer

To determine which substance can do glass etching from the given options, we will analyze each option and understand the process of glass etching.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Glass Etching**:
- Glass etching is a process used to create designs or patterns on the surface of glass. This is typically done using certain chemicals that can react with the silica in glass.

**Hint**: Recall that glass is primarily made of silica (SiO2), which is a key factor in determining which chemicals can etch it.

2. **Analyzing the Options**:
- The options provided are:
- A) HIO4
- B) HF
- C) HNO3
- D) SiF4

**Hint**: Consider the chemical properties of each compound and their reactivity with silica.

3. **Evaluating Each Option**:
- **A) HIO4 (Iodic Acid)**: This compound is not known for etching glass. It does not react significantly with silica.
- **B) HF (Hydrofluoric Acid)**: This is a well-known etchant for glass. HF reacts with silica to form soluble silicon fluoride, effectively etching the glass surface.
- **C) HNO3 (Nitric Acid)**: While nitric acid is a strong acid, it does not effectively etch glass as it does not react with silica in the same way as HF.
- **D) SiF4 (Silicon Tetrafluoride)**: This compound is a gas and does not have the properties required for etching glass.

**Hint**: Focus on the chemical reactions that occur between these substances and silica.

4. **Conclusion**:
- Based on the analysis, the only substance that can effectively etch glass is **HF (Hydrofluoric Acid)**.

### Final Answer:
The correct option for glass etching is **B) HF**.