GenChem Destroyer Question

[dentalduck15]

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Q: What would be the best compound to use on an acid spill in lab?
Answer Choices: HF, NaOH, NaHCO3, NH4OH, and KOH

I dont know how to think about this question. I know that it cant be HF because I need a base to neutralize it, but other than that I dont know how to conceptualize the question.

Thanks.

 

[l4dygaga]

It should be NaHCO3. The bicarb will act as a buffer, absorbing the H+ and neutralizing the acid. OH will be way too strong and like you said, HF is an acid. A buffer is always used to neutralize spills in lab, never strong acid/base.