Question

To dissolve seashells in underground pipes quickly, what chemical approach is suggested in the given context?

a) High-strength acid drain cleaner containing sodium hydroxide.
b) Dilute acid followed by a water rinse.
c) High-strength acid drain cleaner containing concentrated sulfuric acid.
d) Manual cleaning with a brush.

Answer 1

The suggested chemical approach to dissolve seashells in underground pipes quickly is using high-strength acid drain cleaner containing concentrated sulfuric acid.

Step-by-step explanation:

In order to dissolve seashells in underground pipes quickly, high-strength acid drain cleaner containing concentrated sulfuric acid is suggested in the given context. Sulfuric acid is a strong acid that can react with calcium carbonate, the main component of seashells, to form a soluble salt and water:

H2SO4 + CaCO3 → CaSO4 + H2O + CO2

This chemical approach is effective in dissolving seashells and clearing clogs in pipes.