[meteorite-list] nitric acid disposal

From: E.J <jonee_at_meteoritecentral.com>
Date: Thu Apr 22 10:28:31 2004
Message-ID: <3F91B187.1000304_at_epix.net>

What ever it is I'd like for the truth be known...My recollection is
this was to avoid acid splash back. However, 35 minutes-- little alone
35 years, is a long time to test recall for me. Your explaination seems
more rational .

Elton

Robert Woolard wrote:

> Hello Elton and list,
>
>I think it's the other way around, isn't it??
>Perhaps this explains why:
>
>Never add water to acid, the heat of hydration could
>boil the water/acid mixture as the first drops of
>water mix with the acid.
>
>When you add acid to water, it takes a lot of heat to
>boil the large volume of water that you are hopefully
>using.
>
>Or, using this memory aid:
>
> Lab Safety - Remembering that you add Acid to Water
>not Water to Acid
>
>
>
>AW can be a short form for "Acid to Water"; WA can be
>a short form for "Water to Acid". When verbalized, AW
>sounds pleasant and good. "Ahhhh!". WA sounds menacing
>and bad, "WAAAAAHHHHHH!. If you can introduce this
>laboratory safety rule to your students with lots of
>enthusiasm, most will remember the rule because of
>your antics.
>
>
>
>I hope this helps...
>
> (But it's been a LONG time since high school
>chemistry! ;-)
>
> Sincerely,
>
> Robert Woolard
>
>
>
>
Received on Sat 18 Oct 2003 05:32:55 PM PDT