Final answer:
The yellow spot on the student's hand is likely due to a chemical burn from contact with nitric acid, which can result in nitration of skin proteins. Safety protocols, such as wearing gloves and immediate hand washing, are crucial to prevent such incidents. Disposal of chemical wastes must also adhere to laboratory guidelines.
Step-by-step explanation:
After working with the strong acid HNO₃ (nitric acid), a student has noticed a yellow spot on her hand. The yellow spot could be due to the nitration of skin proteins or the reaction of nitric acid with the keratin in the skin, causing a yellow or orange discoloration. This is a common phenomenon and is considered a chemical burn.
It's essential to emphasize safety when handling chemicals like HNO₃. Always be careful when handling chemicals, as accidents can lead to serious injuries such as burns. It is critical to practice hand washing with soap and water immediately after handling chemicals to mitigate the risks. Protective gloves should always be worn to prevent skin contact.
If skin contact occurs, especially with strong acids, one should follow safety protocols and seek medical attention if necessary. Moreover, all chemical wastes, including acids, must be disposed of according to proper waste disposal guidelines provided by the laboratory's safety protocol to prevent accidents and environmental harm.
It's worth noting that chemistry impacts daily life in numerous ways. For example, combining sodium and chlorine, which are reactive and hazardous on their own, yields sodium chloride or salt, an essential compound in our everyday lives. Similarly, the chemical process involving sodium acetate in chemical hand warmers is an example of an exothermic reaction, benefiting us by providing warmth.