Final answer:
The name of H₂SO₃ is sulfurous acid, which is a moderately strong and unstable acid, different from sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄), which is used extensively in industrial processes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct name for H₂SO₃ is sulfurous acid, not sulfuric acid. Sulfurous acid is a chemical compound that is represented by the formula H₂SO₃, where the sulfur atom is bonded to two hydroxide groups (OH) and one oxygen atom. This acid is different from sulfuric acid, which has the formula H₂SO₄ and contains two OH groups and two oxygen atoms bonded to the sulfur atom. Sulfurous acid is a moderately strong acid and is known for being unstable in its pure form, often decomposing into water and sulfur dioxide gas.
Sulfuric acid, on the other hand, is a highly corrosive and strong mineral acid widely used in industry, with a variety of applications ranging from manufacturing fertilizers to chemical synthesis. Considering its industrial significance, when we talk about sulfuric acid production or its applications, we are referring to H₂SO₄ and not H₂SO₃.