Final answer:
True, sulfuric acid is an excellent dehydrating agent that can remove water from various substances, including the cells of skin, due to its high affinity for water and the exothermic nature of its hydration.
Step-by-step explanation:
True, sulfuric acid is an excellent dehydrating agent.
Concentrated sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) has strong affinity for water and its hydration is thermodynamically favored, which is demonstrated by its highly exothermic nature. It is known for its ability to remove water molecules from various compounds, a capability illustrated when sulfuric acid reacts with sugar and other carbohydrates, leading to the production of carbon, heat, and steam.
This property not only allows it to dehydrate organic materials, such as carbohydrates, but also enables it to dry gases and immiscible liquids that do not react with the acid.
Additionally, the acid's reaction with most metals produces hydrogen gas, following the equation M + H₂SO₄ → M(SO₄) + H₂, which is typical for strong acids.
Due to these properties, sulfuric acid will indeed remove water from the cells of skin, making it a hazard that must be handled with appropriate safety precautions.