Associate Safety Professional Practice Exam

Which hazard is associated with calcium carbide in terms of chemical reactions?

1. Reacts with oxygen

2. Reacts with water

3. Reacts with air

4. Reacts with acids

The correct answer is: Reacts with water

Calcium carbide is primarily known for its reaction with water, which produces acetylene gas and calcium hydroxide. This chemical reaction is significant because acetylene is a highly flammable gas and poses an explosion risk when ignited in the presence of air. The reaction can be represented by the equation: \[ \text{CaC}_2 + 2 \text{H}_2\text{O} \rightarrow \text{C}_2\text{H}_2 + \text{Ca(OH)}_2 \] Acetylene is a valuable fuel and a building block for various organic chemicals, but its production through this reaction emphasizes the need for proper safety protocols when handling calcium carbide. Awareness of this specific hazard is critical in environments where calcium carbide is used or stored, as it highlights the importance of ensuring that water does not inadvertently come into contact with the substance. Other options, while they may seem plausible at first glance, do not capture the primary hazard associated with calcium carbide in the same way that water does. For example, calcium carbide does interact with acids, but the reaction tends to be less significant or typical compared to its reaction with water. Understanding the specific risks associated with calcium carbide helps in implementing appropriate safety measures to mitigate