Dilution and Exothermic Reactions of Acids and Bases

Vocabulary flashcards covering exothermic dissolving processes, dilution principles, and safe acid dilution practices based on Activity 2.10.

Exothermic process

A reaction or process that produces heat, such as dissolving concentrated $H_2SO_4$ or sodium hydroxide pellets in water.

Dilution

The process of mixing an acid or base with water, which decreases the concentration of ions per unit volume.

Acid dilution safety rule

The procedure requiring that acid must always be added slowly to water with constant stirring, and never water to acid.

Excessive local heating

The high heat generated when water is added to concentrated acid, which can cause the mixture to splash out, cause burns, or break the glass container.

$H_3O^+$ ions

The concentration of hydronium ions per unit volume that decreases when an acid is diluted with water.

$OH^-$ ions

The concentration of hydroxide ions per unit volume that decreases when a base is diluted with water.