Question

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

Answer 1

Addition of acid to water

• Acid-water interaction is an exothermic reaction i.e. why acid is added into the water not water into acid.
• The heat is gradually and easily absorbed by the enormous volume of water when acid is given for dilution.
• So, the addition of acid to water is safe.

Addition of water to acid

• When water is added to acid, a lot of heat is released all at once.
• This heat causes some water to turn violently into steam, which can splatter acid on our faces or clothes and result in acid burns.
• Due to the high heating, even the glass container may break.

Hence, while diluting the acid should be added to water and not water to the acid.