A violent and exothermic reaction occurs when acid is poured into water. True or false?

A violent and exothermic reaction occurs when acid is poured into water. True or false?

• A. True
• B. False
• C. It depends on the acid
• D. Only with concentrated acids

Answer: (B)

The statement is false. When acid is poured into water, it is essential to always add acid to water rather than the other way around. This process minimizes the risk of a violent reaction. When water is added to a concentrated acid, especially strong acids like sulfuric acid, the heat generated can cause the water to rapidly vaporize, potentially leading to an explosive reaction. However, when acid is poured into water, the heat is disseminated throughout the larger volume of water, which significantly reduces the risk of a violent exothermic reaction. This principle is a fundamental safety guideline in chemistry and is critically important in laboratory and industrial settings. Always adhering to the proper procedure of adding acid to water helps prevent accidents and ensure safe handling of these substances.

The statement is false. When acid is poured into water, it is essential to always add acid to water rather than the other way around. This process minimizes the risk of a violent reaction. When water is added to a concentrated acid, especially strong acids like sulfuric acid, the heat generated can cause the water to rapidly vaporize, potentially leading to an explosive reaction. However, when acid is poured into water, the heat is disseminated throughout the larger volume of water, which significantly reduces the risk of a violent exothermic reaction. This principle is a fundamental safety guideline in chemistry and is critically important in laboratory and industrial settings. Always adhering to the proper procedure of adding acid to water helps prevent accidents and ensure safe handling of these substances.