A student accidentally spills some hydrochloric acid on a table. Which substance should be used to neutralise the acid safely?
Baking soda solution
To neutralize spilled hydrochloric acid safely, we need to use a substance that reacts with the acid to form water and a salt, effectively neutralizing the acid. The correct substance to use from the options provided is the baking soda solution. Here is the step-by-step explanation:
- Understanding Acids and Bases: Acids are substances that can donate a proton (H+) in a solution. Hydrochloric acid (HCl) is a strong acid commonly used in laboratories. Bases, on the other hand, can accept protons or donate hydroxide ions (OH-), which can neutralize acids.
- Reactivity of Baking Soda: Baking soda, chemically known as sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3), is a weak base. When it reacts with hydrochloric acid, the following neutralization reaction occurs: \text{NaHCO}_3 (s) + \text{HCl (aq)} \rightarrow \text{NaCl (aq)} + \text{H}_2\text{O (l)} + \text{CO}_2 (g) This reveals that baking soda reacts with hydrochloric acid to produce table salt (NaCl), water (H2O), and carbon dioxide gas (CO2), effectively neutralizing the acid.
- Incorrect Options:
- Sugar solution: Sugar (sucrose) does not react with acids in such a way to neutralize them. It is not a base.
- Vinegar: Vinegar is acetic acid (CH3COOH) and is itself an acid, not suitable for neutralizing another acid.
- Lemon juice: Lemon juice contains citric acid, which, like vinegar, is acidic and cannot neutralize hydrochloric acid.
- Safety and Conclusion: Using baking soda is a safe method of neutralization since it results in non-toxic byproducts. Remember to carefully clean and dispose of any residues after neutralization.
In conclusion, baking soda solution is the correct and safe choice to neutralize spilled hydrochloric acid.
Similar Questions
What is the main reason sulfur dioxide irritates the upper respiratory mucous membrane?
According to Thomson’s model, how are electrons arranged in an atom?
In a real-life scenario, a chemist discovers a compound with the formula $CH_3 CH_2 CH(CH_3)CH_2 CH_2 OH$. What is the correct IUPAC name for this compound?
What is the general formula of alkenes?
If 10 grams of salt are dissolved in 100 mL of water, which component is the solute?
Consider the following statements regarding chemical reactions and choose the correct option.
Statement I: Every reaction in which two or more reactants combine to form a single product is classified as a combination reaction regardless of heat change.
Statement II: The reaction $CaO(s) + H_2O(l) → Ca(OH)_2 (aq)$ + heat is both a combination 2 2 reaction and an exothermic reaction.
Which condition is required for a displacement reaction between a metal and salt solution?
The atmospheric component that remains largely unreactive is _____________.
If 10 grams of salt are dissolved in 100 mL of water, which component is the solute?
According to Thomson’s model, how are electrons arranged in an atom?
Important Questions from Chemistry
Suppose a rod is given a negative charge by rubbing it with wool. Which one of the following statements is correct in this case?
The raw materials used for the manufacture of Portland cement are
In which one of the following folds is the axial plane found to be virtually horizontal?
Which one of the following is the chemical formula of Washing Soda?
How is carbon black obtained?
