Question

Pre-Laboratory Assignment 1. While a student performing this experiment was boiling her reaction mixture, prior to performing the back-titration, a small amount of the reaction solution splashed onto the laboratory bench. After the spilled solution cooled, the student accidentally put her hand in the pool of liquid. What hazardous substance was present in the spilled solution, and what harm could this substance cause? olar to this experiment.

Answer 1

The student likely came into contact with a strong acid such as hydrochloric or sulfuric acid, which could cause chemical burns. Immediate washing and notification to the teacher are required for first aid and safety.

Step-by-step explanation:

A student performing a back-titration experiment splashed some of the reaction mixture onto the lab bench, and upon contact with the solution after it cooled, the potential hazard the student faced was chemical burns. The hazardous substances likely present in the reaction solution could have included strong acids such as hydrochloric acid or sulfuric acid, both of which are common in chemistry experiments and can cause severe skin burns upon contact. Such substances readily decompose proteins and lipids through amide and ester hydrolysis, which is damaging to living tissues like skin.

For handling chemical spills and skin contacts, immediate washing with plenty of water and soap is critical, and notifying the teacher is essential for appropriate first aid measures. Additionally, it is important to use caution when working with boiling solutions and hot equipment to prevent burns and other accidental injuries.