Question

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

Answer 1

Exothermic reaction: An exothermic reaction is a reaction in which energy is released in the form of light or heat.

1. While making the acid water mixture it's preferred to add the acid dropwise in water with constant stirring.
2. If we add water to acid, an extremely concentrated solution of acid will be formed initially which may boil very violently, splashing concentrated acid.
3. If we add acid to water, the solution that forms is very dilute and the small amount of heat released which is not enough to vaporize and spatter it.

Therefore, acid should be added to water and not water to the acid.