Acidified silver nitrate solution can be used to identify and distinguish between halide ions in solution.

Why should hydrochloric acid not be used to acidify the silver nitrate?

a) Because hydrochloric acid reacts with silver nitrate to form a precipitate.
b) Because hydrochloric acid does not react with silver nitrate.
c) Because hydrochloric acid reacts with halide ions, interfering with the identification process.
d) Because hydrochloric acid is not strong enough to acidify silver nitrate solution.