How does sand help in storing Hydrochloric acid (HCl) safely?

What is the main purpose of storing HCl on top of sand?

A) To prevent it from reacting with the sand

B) To keep it at a stable temperature

C) To absorb any spills or leaks

D) To make it easier to measure

Answer:

The main purpose of storing Hydrochloric acid (HCl) on top of sand is to absorb any spills or leaks (Option C).

Storing Hydrochloric acid (HCl) on top of sand is a safety measure used to prevent any accidents that may occur due to spills or leaks of the acid. Sand, being a granular substrate, provides a large surface area for absorbing and neutralizing the acid if it is accidentally spilled.

By placing the HCl on top of sand, the risk of the acid spreading and causing harm is minimized. The large surface area of the sand helps in neutralizing the acid, thus preventing any potential harm that could result from spills or leaks.

This storage method is specifically intended for spill absorption and is not primarily for temperature regulation, reaction kinetics, or ease of measurement. While sand can help disperse heat due to its specific heat capacity, in this case, its main purpose is to absorb any accidental spills or leaks of HCl.

Therefore, storing HCl on top of sand is primarily for safety reasons, particularly to prevent and contain any spills or leaks that may occur during handling or storage of the acid.