How do you dilute an acid?
Why is acid always added to water, and not the reverse?
A large amount of heat is released when strong acids are mixed with water. Adding more acid releases more heat. If you add water to acid, you form an extremely concentrated solution of acid initially. So much heat is released that the solution may boil very violently, splashing concentrated acid out of the container! If you add acid to water, the solution that forms is very dilute and the small amount of heat released is not enough to vaporize and spatter it. So always add acid to water, and never the reverse.
More Info:
antoine.frostburg.edu
What are your thoughts on this subject?
15 Comments
docluci
Knew this answer
dmarkc
Basic rule...
Rick Gray
Chemistry teacher taught us “do as you otta, add acid to watta “
ninakamwene
New that and missed it. Please do not tell my former chemistry professor, he will turn in his grave. Ha-ha-ha! I neutralized with a base.
Janice Lea Vanlandingham
I haven't had a science class, common sense tells to had add acid because of the interaction.
Lynne Zeman
No clue.
ebitnet
do what you otta, add acid to watta.
Rusty
So is it water that you're rinsing your eyes with at those emergency stations and if so... huh?
Kenneth Dallas
You can add a stronger acid to a weaker one too.
George Oliver Prince
So much for my knowledge of chemistry
Johnny Rock
Good to know if I'm cooking meth.
Rob Farr
A good science-related trivia question and a good safety tip as well ...
Carolyn Brior
"Do as you oughta - Add acid to watta"
Joyce Bruns
Oops! Got that one wrong.
Jeff Overton
It appears that most people as I thought that a base diluted an ascd, But a base neutralizes an acid. I knew you NEVER pour water in or on acid.