If electrolyte from a lead-acid battery is spilled in the battery compartment, which procedure should be followed?

If electrolyte from a lead-acid battery is spilled in the battery compartment, which procedure should be followed?

• A. Rinse the affected area thoroughly with clean water
• B. Apply boric acid solution to the affected area followed by a water rinse
• C. Apply sodium bicarbonate solution to the affected area followed by a water rinse
• D. Use vinegar to neutralize the spill

Answer: (C)

Neutralizing an acid spill from a lead-acid battery is the safest first step before cleanup. The electrolyte is sulfuric acid, so applying a mild base like a sodium bicarbonate solution neutralizes the acid material, reducing its corrosiveness before you wipe it up. The chemical reaction forms sodium sulfate, carbon dioxide, and water, and you’ll often see fizzing as CO2 gas is released—that fizzing is a sign the neutralization is occurring. After neutralization, a thorough water rinse removes the dissolved salts and any remaining residue. Rinsing with water alone won’t stop the chemical from continuing to be corrosive or potentially spread the spill, and using other substances like boric acid or vinegar isn’t effective here: boric acid isn’t a reliable neutralizer for sulfuric acid, and vinegar is itself an acid and would not neutralize the spill.

Neutralizing an acid spill from a lead-acid battery is the safest first step before cleanup. The electrolyte is sulfuric acid, so applying a mild base like a sodium bicarbonate solution neutralizes the acid material, reducing its corrosiveness before you wipe it up. The chemical reaction forms sodium sulfate, carbon dioxide, and water, and you’ll often see fizzing as CO2 gas is released—that fizzing is a sign the neutralization is occurring. After neutralization, a thorough water rinse removes the dissolved salts and any remaining residue.

Rinsing with water alone won’t stop the chemical from continuing to be corrosive or potentially spread the spill, and using other substances like boric acid or vinegar isn’t effective here: boric acid isn’t a reliable neutralizer for sulfuric acid, and vinegar is itself an acid and would not neutralize the spill.