The correct answer is "Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A."
Explanation:
- Assertion (A) states that when diluting sulphuric acid, acid should be added to water and not water to acid. This is done to ensure safety because diluting sulphuric acid is an exothermic process, meaning it releases heat. Adding water to concentrated sulphuric acid can cause a rapid release of heat, leading to a violent reaction and potential splattering of acid. By adding acid to water slowly while stirring, the heat generated is more easily dissipated.
- Reason (R) states that the specific heat of water is quite large. Specific heat is the amount of heat energy required to raise the temperature of a substance. Water has a relatively high specific heat, meaning it can absorb and distribute a large amount of heat without a significant change in temperature. This property of water allows it to handle the heat generated during the dilution of sulphuric acid without causing a sudden increase in temperature.
Therefore, both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, and Reason (R) provides the correct explanation for Assertion (A).