1. If a few drops of a concentrated acid accidentally spills over the hand of a student, what should be done? (a) Wash the hand with saline solution (b) Wash the hand immediately with plenty of water and apply a paste of sodium hydrogencarbonate (c) After washing with plenty of water apply solution of sodium hydroxide on the hand Neutralise the acid with a strong alkali

• Soln:

Answer is (b) Wash the hand immediately with plenty of water and apply a paste of sodium hydrogencarbonate

Explanation:

Washing affected hand with plenty of water will reduce the concentration of the acid. Remaining traces of the acid can be neutralized by applying a paste of Hydrogen carbonate which is basic in nature. Though NaOH is also a base but it is corrosive in nature hence it is not used to neutralize the acid.