Question

during a lab experiment, a beaker of hydrochloric acid was accidentally knocked over. following correct laboratory safety procedures, everyone moved back and the teacher was notified of the spill. what is the next step to follow in the clean - up of this spill? water should be used to dilute the liquid. cat litter should be used to absorb the liquid. towels should be used to wipe up the liquid. a base should be used to neutralize the liquid.

Explanation:

Hydrochloric acid (\(HCl\)) is an acid. To clean up an acid spill, a base is used to neutralize it (since acids and bases react to form a salt and water, reducing the acidity and making it safer to handle). Using water to dilute (option A) or towels (option C) doesn't address the acidic nature, and cat litter (option B) is not a standard method for acid spills. Neutralization with a base is the correct lab safety procedure for acid spills.

Answer:

D. A base should be used to neutralize the liquid.