A student dilutes concentrated sulphuric acid by adding water to a beaker containing acid. What correction should be made to prevent an accident?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: Add acid slowly to water while stirring
Diluting concentrated sulphuric acid is highly exothermic. The safe method is to place water in the vessel and add the acid slowly in small portions while continuously stirring, so the released heat is distributed through the larger water volume. Thus option B is correct. Adding water directly to concentrated acid can make the small water layer boil suddenly and eject hot corrosive acid.
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct answer to this question?
Add acid slowly to water while stirring
Why is this the correct answer?
Diluting concentrated sulphuric acid is highly exothermic. The safe method is to place water in the vessel and add the acid slowly in small portions while continuously stirring, so the released heat is distributed through the larger water volume. Thus option B is correct. Adding water directly to concentrated acid can make the small water layer boil suddenly and eject hot corrosive acid.
Which subject and chapter does this question cover?
This is a Class 10 Science question. Chapter: Chemical Substances – Nature and Behaviour. Topic: Acids, Bases, and Salts.
