Hydrochloric acid is regarded as a strong acid because it

Hydrochloric acid (HCl) is regarded as a strong acid because it ionizes completely in water. This means that when HCl is dissolved in water, it breaks down entirely into hydrogen ions (H⁺) and chloride ions (Cl^-). In a solution, there are no molecules of HCl left; only its ions are present.

This complete ionization results in a high concentration of hydrogen ions, which is a key characteristic of strong acids. Because there are more hydrogen ions available, hydrochloric acid can readily participate in chemical reactions, particularly those involving proton transfers, like neutralization reactions with bases.

In summary, the reason HCl is considered strong is due to its ability to consistently and completely ionize in an aqueous solution, not because of its physical state, source, or reactive nature with bases. Therefore, the property that defines it as a strong acid is that it ionizes completely.