While diluting an acid, why is it recommended that the acid should be added to water and not water to the acid?

Answer

Let’s look at both cases

  • If water is added to a beaker of concentrated acid , the heat generated in the process would be extremely large and could lead to splash out , burns and also breakage of the glass beaker due to overheating.

  • If we add acid to the water slowly, we are starting off by creating quite a dilute solution and the heat generated will not cause excessive damage.

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Maninder Singh

CA Maninder Singh is a Chartered Accountant for the past 14 years and a teacher from the past 18 years. He teaches Science, Economics, Accounting and English at Teachoo