A chemical that reacts with water to release a gas that is either flammable or presents a health hazard is described as:

A chemical that reacts with water to release a gas that is either flammable or presents a health hazard is described as:

• A. Water-reactive
• B. Hydrolytic
• C. Hydrophobic
• D. Corrosive

Answer: (A)

Water-reactive substances are chemicals that react with water or moisture to release a gas. When that gas is flammable or toxic, the hazard is especially dangerous during handling, storage, and use, because even humidity or a small amount of water can trigger the reaction and release the hazardous gas. This label specifically signals the risk of gas evolution on contact with water, which is why it’s the best description here. Hydrolytic would describe a reaction with water in general, but isn’t the standard safety category used to flag this hazard. Hydrophobic means water-repellent, not related to releasing gases. Corrosive describes damage to materials or tissues, not the gas-releasing reaction with water. For examples, reactive metals like sodium or calcium carbide react with water to produce hydrogen or acetylene, respectively, illustrating why the water-reactive label is used.

Water-reactive substances are chemicals that react with water or moisture to release a gas. When that gas is flammable or toxic, the hazard is especially dangerous during handling, storage, and use, because even humidity or a small amount of water can trigger the reaction and release the hazardous gas. This label specifically signals the risk of gas evolution on contact with water, which is why it’s the best description here. Hydrolytic would describe a reaction with water in general, but isn’t the standard safety category used to flag this hazard. Hydrophobic means water-repellent, not related to releasing gases. Corrosive describes damage to materials or tissues, not the gas-releasing reaction with water. For examples, reactive metals like sodium or calcium carbide react with water to produce hydrogen or acetylene, respectively, illustrating why the water-reactive label is used.