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

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

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Only with dilute acids
• D. Only in specific conditions

Answer: (A)

The statement is true because pouring water into strong concentrated acids, such as sulfuric acid or hydrochloric acid, typically results in a violent and exothermic reaction. When water is added to these acids, the heat generated from the reaction can cause the mixture to splatter or erupt, leading to potential hazards, including burns or injuries. In contrast, the correct safety practice is to add acid to water rather than the other way around. This method minimizes the risk associated with the reaction, as the water in a larger volume can absorb the heat gradually, reducing the chance of a violent reaction. The other options would not be true in this context; for instance, stating that this reaction is only with dilute acids or under specific conditions overlooks the general hazard presented by strong, concentrated acids regardless of these qualifiers. Understanding this principle is crucial for maintaining safety in laboratory and industrial environments where strong acids are used.

The statement is true because pouring water into strong concentrated acids, such as sulfuric acid or hydrochloric acid, typically results in a violent and exothermic reaction. When water is added to these acids, the heat generated from the reaction can cause the mixture to splatter or erupt, leading to potential hazards, including burns or injuries.

In contrast, the correct safety practice is to add acid to water rather than the other way around. This method minimizes the risk associated with the reaction, as the water in a larger volume can absorb the heat gradually, reducing the chance of a violent reaction.

The other options would not be true in this context; for instance, stating that this reaction is only with dilute acids or under specific conditions overlooks the general hazard presented by strong, concentrated acids regardless of these qualifiers. Understanding this principle is crucial for maintaining safety in laboratory and industrial environments where strong acids are used.