Which statement about adding water to chemicals is correct?

When discussing the interaction between water and chemicals, especially in the context of safety, it's crucial to understand the reactions that can occur. The statement that water should never be added to certain chemicals is accurate for specific cases, particularly with reactive substances. For instance, when concentrated acids like sulfuric acid are mixed with water, the reaction can produce significant heat and may result in splattering or violent reactions. Therefore, adding water to such chemicals can be hazardous.

Conversely, other substances can safely have water added to them, making it essential to recognize that the safe handling of chemicals largely depends on their properties. In some cases, the proper protocol involves adding chemicals to water rather than the other way around, to prevent hazardous reactions.

The essence of chemical safety is rooted in the knowledge of how specific materials interact with water. Hence, the cautious approach of avoiding the addition of water to chemicals aligns with well-established safety protocols in chemical handling.