Which of the following acids is a common strong acid found in laboratories?

Nitric acid is recognized as a common strong acid found in laboratories due to its ability to completely dissociate in water, producing a high concentration of hydrogen ions (H⁺). This complete dissociation classifies nitric acid as a strong acid, making it highly effective for various applications such as in chemical synthesis, etching metals, and serving as a powerful oxidizing agent.

In contrast, the other acids listed do not exhibit the same degree of strength. Acetic acid, for instance, is a weak acid that only partially dissociates in solution, resulting in a lower concentration of hydrogen ions. Citric acid is similarly classified as a weak organic acid, and carbonic acid is also considered weak since it only partially dissociates in aqueous solutions. Therefore, among the given options, nitric acid stands out as the correct choice due to its status as a strong acid commonly utilized in laboratory settings.