What could be a potential consequence of mixing a strong acid with water?

Mixing a strong acid with water is a common practice in chemistry, but it must be done with caution because it leads to an exothermic reaction. When a strong acid is diluted in water, the acid donates protons (H⁺ ions) to the water molecules, resulting in the release of a significant amount of heat. This exothermic nature of the reaction can cause the solution to heat up rapidly, and if the acid is added too quickly or in large amounts, the sudden release of heat may lead to the splashing of the acid solution. Such splashes can present hazards, including burns or other injuries, highlighting the importance of proper safety measures, such as adding acid to water slowly, rather than the other way around.

The other choices do not accurately reflect the consequence of this reaction. Mixing a strong acid with water does not typically produce a formation of gas, nor does it turn the solution alkaline, as strong acids are known for creating acidic solutions. Additionally, one cannot consider the reaction to have "no significant reaction" due to the exothermic nature and the potential for hazardous splashing. Thus, the exothermic reaction that leads to splashing is the key characteristic of this mixing process.