What is used to neutralize spilled electrolyte from a nickel-cadmium battery?

What is used to neutralize spilled electrolyte from a nickel-cadmium battery?

• A. Baking Soda and Water
• B. Vinegar
• C. A Solution of Boric Acid and Water
• D. Sodium Hydroxide

Answer: (C)

Spilled electrolyte from a nickel-cadmium battery is potassium hydroxide, a strong base. To clean it safely, you neutralize the base by adding an acid, turning the caustic solution into a salt and water so it’s less caustic to skin and surfaces. A boric acid solution is used because boric acid is a weak acid that provides controlled, gentle neutralization. It reacts with the hydroxide ions to form borate salts and water, reducing heat and gas formation and leaving a safer, easier-to-wipe-up residue. Baking soda is itself a base, so adding it would not neutralize the spill and could leave behind a still-caustic mixture. Vinegar would neutralize as well, but boric acid is typically preferred in battery-cleanup contexts due to its milder nature and compatibility with battery components. Sodium hydroxide would make the spill more caustic, not help at all.

Spilled electrolyte from a nickel-cadmium battery is potassium hydroxide, a strong base. To clean it safely, you neutralize the base by adding an acid, turning the caustic solution into a salt and water so it’s less caustic to skin and surfaces.

A boric acid solution is used because boric acid is a weak acid that provides controlled, gentle neutralization. It reacts with the hydroxide ions to form borate salts and water, reducing heat and gas formation and leaving a safer, easier-to-wipe-up residue.

Baking soda is itself a base, so adding it would not neutralize the spill and could leave behind a still-caustic mixture. Vinegar would neutralize as well, but boric acid is typically preferred in battery-cleanup contexts due to its milder nature and compatibility with battery components. Sodium hydroxide would make the spill more caustic, not help at all.