Question

Miguel was playing with a battery when it exploded. The acid in the battery sprayed all over the table in front of him. His teacher recommended that he sprinkle some baking soda on the acid before cleaning it up. Why would this be effective? 1) Baking soda can dissolve the acid. 2) Baking soda can neutralize the acid. 3) Baking soda can react with the acid and form a harmless substance. 4) Baking soda can create a barrier and prevent further damage.

Answer 1

The most effective option is 2) Baking soda can neutralize the acid. Baking soda, being a mild alkaline substance, reacts with the acid, neutralizing it and forming harmless byproducts.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most effective reason for using baking soda to clean up the spilled acid is option 2: Baking soda can neutralize the acid. Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃), is a mild alkaline substance. When it reacts with the acid (likely sulfuric acid in the battery), it undergoes a neutralization reaction. In the case of sulfuric acid, the reaction can be represented as follows:

H₂SO₄ + 2 NaHCO₃ → Na₂SO₄ + 2 H₂O + CO₂

This chemical reaction results in the formation of water, carbon dioxide, and a salt (sodium sulfate), effectively neutralizing the corrosive effects of the acid. The carbon dioxide gas produced may create some effervescence.

Option 3 is also partially correct, as the reaction indeed forms a harmless substance, sodium sulfate. The neutralization process reduces the acidity, making the spill safer to handle and preventing further damage to the surfaces.