In nickel-cadmium battery systems, surfaces affected by electrolyte should be neutralized with which solution?

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Multiple Choice

In nickel-cadmium battery systems, surfaces affected by electrolyte should be neutralized with which solution?

Explanation:
The situation tests how to safely neutralize an alkaline nickel-cadmium cell electrolyte. Nickel-cadmium cells use an alkaline potassium hydroxide electrolyte, so spills are basic. A mild, weak acid is used to neutralize this base without causing aggressive reactions or damage to metal surfaces. Boric acid fits this role well because it reacts with the base to form water and borate, reducing pH gently and minimizing heat and corrosion. Ammonia solution is itself a base, so it wouldn’t neutralize the spill and could worsen the situation. Hydrochloric acid is a strong acid that could cause rapid, exothermic reactions and corrosion, and potentially hazardous byproducts. Sodium hydroxide is a strong base, which would only add to the problem rather than neutralize it.

The situation tests how to safely neutralize an alkaline nickel-cadmium cell electrolyte. Nickel-cadmium cells use an alkaline potassium hydroxide electrolyte, so spills are basic. A mild, weak acid is used to neutralize this base without causing aggressive reactions or damage to metal surfaces. Boric acid fits this role well because it reacts with the base to form water and borate, reducing pH gently and minimizing heat and corrosion.

Ammonia solution is itself a base, so it wouldn’t neutralize the spill and could worsen the situation. Hydrochloric acid is a strong acid that could cause rapid, exothermic reactions and corrosion, and potentially hazardous byproducts. Sodium hydroxide is a strong base, which would only add to the problem rather than neutralize it.

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