Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Acidity is determined by the stability of the conjugate base. Electron-withdrawing groups (EWG) increase acidity by stabilizing the negative charge, while electron-donating groups (EDG) decrease acidity.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Assuming the compounds are: (a) p-nitrophenol, (b) phenol, and (c) p-cresol:
- p-Nitrophenol (a): The $-NO_2$ group is a strong EWG ($-I$ and $-M$ effects), making it the most acidic.
- Phenol (b): Has no substituted groups.
- p-Cresol (c): The $-CH_3$ group is an EDG ($+I$ and hyperconjugation), which destabilizes the phenoxide ion, making it the least acidic.
Order: $p-cresol<phenol<p-nitrophenol$.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The correct order is $c<b<a$.