Which of the following best represents a liquid stored in a thick glass carboy?

The correct answer is nitric acid because it is commonly stored in thick glass carboys due to its corrosive nature and capability of reacting with many materials. Glass is resistant to chemical reactions with nitric acid, making it a suitable choice for storage. Additionally, nitric acid is a colorless liquid that is typically handled in non-reactive containers to ensure safety and integrity of the chemical.

While hydrochloric acid can also be corrosive and is sometimes stored in glass, it is more frequently found in different types of containers, like plastic. Gasoline is highly flammable and is generally stored in specific types of fuel containers designed to prevent ignition. Water, while non-corrosive, does not require the specialized nature of a thick carboy for storage, as it can be adequately stored in less robust containers. Therefore, among the options given, nitric acid is best represented as needing the specific properties of a thick glass carboy for safe storage.