Final answer:
Muriatic acid should be diluted with water before using to reduce its strength and make it safer to handle. Proper safety procedures should be followed when diluting muriatic acid.
Step-by-step explanation:
Muriatic acid, which is another name for hydrochloric acid (HCl), should be diluted with water before using. This is because muriatic acid is a strong acid and can cause burns if it comes into contact with the skin or eyes. Diluting it with water reduces its strength and makes it safer to handle.
For example, commercially available muriatic acid is typically sold at concentrations of about 18%. To dilute it, you would mix a certain volume of the acid with a larger volume of water to achieve the desired concentration.
It is important to follow proper safety procedures when diluting muriatic acid, such as wearing gloves and goggles, and adding the acid slowly to the water while stirring. This helps prevent splattering and release of heat that can occur when acid is mixed with water.