HCl and HNO3 show acidic character in aqueous solutions because they dissociate into hydrogen ions (H+) when dissolved in water, making the solution acidic. Alcohols and glucose, on the other hand, do not dissociate to produce H+ ions in aqueous solutions, so they do not exhibit acidic properties.
Elaboration:
Acids and Hydrogen Ions:
Acids are substances that release hydrogen ions (H+) when dissolved in water. These H+ ions are responsible for the acidic properties of the solution.
HCl and HNO3:
HCl and HNO3 are strong acids that completely dissociate in water, releasing H+ ions. For example, HCl(aq) → H+(aq) + Cl-(aq).
Alcohols and Glucose:
Alcohols and glucose are not acids and do not dissociate in water to produce H+ ions. They remain as neutral molecules in the solution.
Example of a non-acidic molecule:
Imagine a glass of water with a few molecules of alcohol added. The alcohol molecules will remain intact, not breaking down into H+ and other ions. This is because the alcohol molecule is stable and does not readily dissociate.