UPSC Prelims 1999·GS1·science-and-technology·science and technology

Assertion (A): To dilute sulphuric acid, acid is added to water and not water to acid. Reason (R): Specific heat of water is quite large.

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  1. ABoth A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of ACorrect
  2. BBoth A and R are true, but R is not a correct explanation of A
  3. CA is true, but R is false
  4. DA is false, but R is true

Explanation

The assertion is true because the process of mixing sulphuric acid with water is highly exothermic, meaning it releases a significant amount of heat. If water is added to concentrated acid, the first drop of water can instantly boil and cause the acid to splash out violently, potentially causing burns. The reason is also true and provides the correct explanation. Water has a very high specific heat capacity, which means it can absorb a large amount of heat with only a small increase in its own temperature. By adding acid slowly to a large body of water, the water effectively absorbs the heat generated during the dilution, preventing the mixture from boiling or splashing. This makes the process much safer. Therefore, both statements are true and the reason explains the assertion.
science-and-technology: Assertion (A): To dilute sulphuric acid, acid is added to water and not water to acid. Reason (R): Specific heat of wate
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