is it true that adding acid to water can cause an explosion?

Question

or water to acid, i'm not sure if it would cause an actual explosion but i heard depending on how it's mixed the two can become volatile.

Answer 1

When adding acid to water the acid is in a small concentration and the water is in a large concentration. This allows the heat released by the acid as it dissociates to dissipate into the water with little danger.

When adding water to acid the water is in a small concentration and the acid is in a large concentration. This does not allow dissipation of the heat and may cause the solution to boil rapidly and splash out of the container-or the container may expand too quickly from the heat and burst.

Answer 2

You should Always Add Acid (remember the AAA) to water. Never add water to acid. Large amounts of heat can be released when strong acids are mixed with water. Adding water to acid guarantees a strong acid solution, and the high amount of heat released can boil the solution and spray acid all over. Adding acid to water prevents this by making a weak acid solution.

Answer 3

Adding water to acid can cause a small explosion because a reaction occurs very quickly and violently, causing heat and splattering the water. This is really only the case with strong acids, but it is good to remember the adage "Always Add Acid".

Answer 4

By mixing the two together they will become more of an acid base. It also depends on the solitude of acid that you have. It won't explode. Just be careful on mixing because anything can cause a reaction to acid.

Answer 5

You are somewhat right!
u can call it a mini-explosion.....its actually spluttering and splashing

When an acid and water are mixed heat is released due to the "Heat of solution" of the acid.

When you add WATER TO ACID(more amount) ,a lot of "heat of solution" is released simultaneously.....thus causing rapid local heating in a small volume. Due to this rapid thermal expansion takes place at the spot where you add water,such that it literally boils(temporary volatility).
Sudden splashing of water and acid mixture occurs which is dangerous if it falls on your body.

When you add ACID TO WATER(more amount) dropwise..."heat of solution" is released gradually(rapid dissipation occurs)....thus local heating is not that much....splashing does not occur.
THIS METHOD IS THUS MORE SAFER AND SHOULD BE PRACTISED.

Answer 6

Yes. If it weren't for Homeland Security, I'd tell you what acid you could add to water to cause an explosion. But, we evil scientists can do all sorts of dastardly deeds. It would have to be a very special acid. Not something to worry about, unless you've angered a chemist, recently?

Answer 7

as water is in large concentration than acid ,adding acid to water is more favourable .the heat generated is dissipated in the waterwhen acid is added and is no chance of explosion .

Answer 8

No.Adding acid to water is not explosive though it is vigorous.but the opp thatis adding water to acid is definitely explosive as acid is in excess,which causes highly exothermic(liberating heat) reaction.

Answer 9

acids usually are already aqueous (meaning they're already in water), so adding it to more water would most likely just dilute it. but I'm sure there's some instance where what you said would happen-- maybe because it hits the air at some point, which triggers something?

edit: yeah, whatever I said, that was wrong

Answer 10

yes, it's almost like adding water to hot oil. that is why you always add the acid to the water