Question

Wear _______________________ when handling batteries, because they can explode or leak.

Answer 1

The answer is: b. Safety glasses and acid-resistant gloves.

Battery acid (sulfuric acid) has pH = 0.

Sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) is a strong acid, it means that the solution of sufuric acid is more acidic (pH<7) than water (pH = 7).

Chemical dissociation of sulfuric acid in water:  

H₂SO₄(aq) → 2H⁺(aq) + SO₄²⁻(aq).  

Sulfuric acid can come in contact with eyes and hands, so it is important to wear safety glasses and acid-resistant gloves.