Spilled battery electrolyte should be neutralized with a solution of water and which substance?

Spilled battery electrolyte should be neutralized with a solution of water and which substance?

• A. Vinegar
• B. Lemon juice
• C. Baking soda
• D. Water only

Answer: (C)

Battery electrolyte is sulfuric acid, so neutralizing it means using a base. Baking soda is a mild base that reacts with the acid to form a salt (sodium sulfate), water, and carbon dioxide, effectively turning the hazardous acid into safer substances. This reaction helps reduce corrosion and danger from the spill. Using vinegar or lemon juice would add more acid, making the spill worse, and just adding water would dilute but not neutralize the acid. So baking soda is the best choice because it safely neutralizes the acid component of the electrolyte.

Battery electrolyte is sulfuric acid, so neutralizing it means using a base. Baking soda is a mild base that reacts with the acid to form a salt (sodium sulfate), water, and carbon dioxide, effectively turning the hazardous acid into safer substances. This reaction helps reduce corrosion and danger from the spill. Using vinegar or lemon juice would add more acid, making the spill worse, and just adding water would dilute but not neutralize the acid. So baking soda is the best choice because it safely neutralizes the acid component of the electrolyte.