How should any acid be mixed with water to ensure safety and effectiveness?

To ensure safety and effectiveness when mixing any acid with water, it is critical to always add acid to water. This approach is essential because adding water to acid can cause the mixture to react violently, potentially leading to splattering of the corrosive acid. When acid is added to water, the water absorbs the heat generated from the reaction in a more controlled manner, significantly reducing the risk of the solution boiling and splattering.

This method not only protects the individual mixing the substances but also helps to maintain the integrity of the solution's concentration. By controlling the addition of acid to water, one ensures that the reaction occurs in a safer manner, allowing the heat to dissipate while mixing uniformly. Consequently, starting with a larger volume of water and gradually introducing the acid minimizes the hazards typically associated with the mixing procedure.