Q. A student accidently splashes few drops of conc $H_{2}SO_{4}$ on his cotton shirt, after a while, the splashed parts blacken and holes appear. This is happened because sulphuric acid
A) Dehydrates the cotton with burning
B) Causes the cotton react with air
C) Heats up the cotton
D) Removes the elements of water from cotton
Explanation
(d)
Concentrated $H_{2}SO_{4}$ has dehydrating property. When cellulose comes in contact with conc $H_{2}SO_{4}$, it removes water from cotton leaving only black carbon in the form of charred particles
$\left( C_{6}H_{12}O_{6} \right)_{x} \rightarrow 6C + 6H_{2}O$
Charred particles
Reviewed by Dr. Abubacker
Physics Educator & NEET/JEE Specialist
Ph.D. in Physics with 19+ years of teaching experience.