Acid spills can be neutralized by adding _____.

• A. an acid such as HCl
• B. carbon dioxide
• C. a base such as NaOH
• D. water

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of neutralization: Neutralization is a chemical reaction where an acid reacts with a base to produce water and a salt, effectively canceling out the acidic properties.
2. Identify the nature of the spill: Since the spill is acidic, it contains excess hydrogen ions (H\_3O\^+ or H\^+).
3. Determine what is needed to neutralize an acid: To neutralize an acid, you need to add a substance that can react with the hydrogen ions to reduce their concentration.
4. Recall that bases provide hydroxide ions (OH\^-) which react with hydrogen ions to form water, thus neutralizing the acid.
5. Conclude that adding a base such as NaOH (sodium hydroxide) will neutralize the acid spill, whereas adding more acid, carbon dioxide, or just water will not effectively neutralize it.