Question: what ions are present in a solution of hydrochloric acid (hcl)?
Answer: When HCl is dissolved in water, ions of H and Cl are formed. Hydrogen loses an electron (becoming an ion of +1 charge) and chlorine gains an electron (becoming an ion of -1 charge). Strong acids, like HCl, release many more hydrogen ions in water than do weak acids, like vinegar or lemon juice.