Final answer:
The compound H₂SO₃ is classified as a weak acid. It partially dissociates in water, unlike strong acids which completely dissociate. Its behavior is similar to other recognized weak acids such as acetic acid and phosphoric acid.
Step-by-step explanation:
The compound H₂SO₃ (sulfurous acid) can be classified as a weak acid. It is not one of the seven strong acids, which are hydrochloric acid (HCl), hydrobromic acid (HBr), hydroiodic acid (HI), nitric acid (HNO₃), perchloric acid (HClO₄), sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄), and chloric acid (HClO₃). Sulfurous acid partially dissociates in water, which is characteristic of weak acids, as opposed to strong acids that completely dissociate in water.
In the case of H₂SO₃, it ionizes in water to form hydrogen ions (H+) and bisulfite ions (HSO₃⁻) but not to the extent that would be expected of a strong acid. Its behavior in water is comparable to other recognized weak acids like acetic acid (CH₃COOH) and phosphoric acid (H₃PO₄).