Why is it considered dangerous to add water to acid during dilution?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: Heat released may cause splashing
The governing safety principle is that dilution of concentrated acid is highly exothermic: considerable heat is released when acid mixes with water. If a small amount of water is poured into acid, that water can heat and boil suddenly at the surface, throwing corrosive acid droplets outward. Therefore option A is correct. The safe procedure is to add acid slowly to a larger volume of water with stirring and protection; the other options describe no relevant chemical effect.
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct answer to this question?
Heat released may cause splashing
Why is this the correct answer?
The governing safety principle is that dilution of concentrated acid is highly exothermic: considerable heat is released when acid mixes with water. If a small amount of water is poured into acid, that water can heat and boil suddenly at the surface, throwing corrosive acid droplets outward. Therefore option A is correct. The safe procedure is to add acid slowly to a larger volume of water with stirring and protection; the other options describe no relevant chemical effect.
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.
