NIC Barber Written (Theory) ExamScientific ConceptsEasy
A barber is preparing a chemical solution for a hair service. The instructions state to dilute a concentrated product with water. What is the primary purpose of adding water to the concentrate in this context?
- ATo activate the chemical reaction.
- BTo decrease the concentration of the active ingredients.
- CTo increase the pH of the solution.
- DTo increase the viscosity of the solution.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. To decrease the concentration of the active ingredients.
Dilution involves adding a solvent (like water) to a solute (the concentrate) to reduce the concentration of the solute. This is crucial for safety and efficacy in many chemical hair services.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. While water can be a part of some chemical reactions, its primary role in dilution is not activation, but rather concentration reduction.
- C. Adding water typically moves the pH closer to neutral (7), so it could increase or decrease based on the concentrate's initial pH, but it's not the primary purpose.
- D. Adding water generally decreases, not increases, the viscosity (thickness) of a solution.
Dilution
The process of reducing the concentration of a solute in a solution, usually by adding more solvent.
- Essential for safety and effectiveness of many salon chemicals.
- Always follow manufacturer's instructions for dilution ratios.
- Affects the strength and potency of the solution.
Memory trick: Diluting is like watering down juice: less concentrated, safer to use!