Final answer:
Irritants cause less severe irritation to skin and eyes, whereas corrosives, like hydrochloric acid, cause severe tissue damage and destruction through chemical reactions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The difference between an irritant and a corrosive chemical is primarily in the severity and nature of the harm they can cause to tissues they come into contact with. An irritant, such as hydrogen peroxide, causes irritation to your eyes and skin, which is generally less severe and does not lead to the destruction of tissues. On the other hand, a corrosive substance, like hydrochloric acid, will damage or destroy other substances by means of a chemical reaction, which often involves the breakdown of proteins and lipids in living tissues, leading to severe damage such as burns. Corrosive chemicals can also be hazardous due to their reactivity and the potential for dangerous reactions with other substances.