Question

when an old building is to be torn down, mr. phams company removes the bricks, cleans off the mortar from the bricks, and then sells the bricks to companies that restore historic buildings. which compound is mr. phams company most likely to use in its work?
hydrochloric acid
nitric acid
sodium hydroxide
lithium hydroxide

Explanation:

Mortar is often composed of calcium - based compounds. Hydrochloric acid is a common and relatively less - hazardous acid compared to nitric acid. It can react with the calcium - based compounds in mortar to dissolve and remove it. Sodium hydroxide and lithium hydroxide are bases and are not as effective as an acid in removing mortar. Nitric acid is a strong and more hazardous acid than hydrochloric acid and is not the most practical choice for this application.

Answer:

hydrochloric acid