Why can adding water to acid be dangerous while diluting acid?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: Sudden heat may cause splashing
The governing safety principle is that dilution of a concentrated acid is highly exothermic. If a small amount of water is poured into a large quantity of acid, the released heat can rapidly heat and boil the water at the contact surface. Steam and acid droplets may then be thrown out, causing burns. Hence option A is correct. The safe method is to add acid slowly to water with stirring, never water to acid.
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct answer to this question?
Sudden heat may cause splashing
Why is this the correct answer?
The governing safety principle is that dilution of a concentrated acid is highly exothermic. If a small amount of water is poured into a large quantity of acid, the released heat can rapidly heat and boil the water at the contact surface. Steam and acid droplets may then be thrown out, causing burns. Hence option A is correct. The safe method is to add acid slowly to water with stirring, never water to 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.
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