If a strong acid is spilled on a counter or in the fume hood during a laboratory experiment, what is the appropriate first step to take?

• A. Wipe up the spill immediately with paper towels.
• B. Dilute the acid with large amounts of water and then clean it up.
• C. Ignore the spill and continue with the experiment.
• D. Neutralize the spill with a suitable base, such as sodium bicarbonate, while wearing proper protective equipment.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that strong acid spills require immediate and safe action to prevent harm to people and damage to surfaces.
2. Recognize that wiping up the acid directly with paper towels is unsafe because it can cause chemical burns or spread the acid further.
3. Know that simply diluting the acid with water before cleaning is not the best first step, as it can cause splashing and spread the acid.
4. Identify that ignoring the spill is dangerous and can lead to accidents or exposure.
5. The appropriate first step is to neutralize the acid spill using a suitable base, such as sodium bicarbonate, while wearing proper protective equipment like gloves and goggles to ensure safety.