While diluting an acid, why is it recommended that the acid should be added to water and not water to the acid?

Diluting an acid is an exothermic reaction. So when water is added to the acid, a lot of heat is released and this heat is strong enough to convert the water into steam and cause the acid to spurt out and can harm anyone.


On the other hand when acid is added to water, water has the ability to absorb the heat generated during the dilution and thus avoids any undesirable consequences.



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