What two agents are required to neutralize a battery leakage?

The correct answer highlights the use of acetic acid found in white vinegar, which plays an essential role in neutralizing alkali battery leakage, as many battery electrolytes contain alkaline substances. The addition of distilled water serves to dilute and facilitate the neutralization process, helping to wash away any residues or harmful materials from the battery leakage safely.

Using vinegar is particularly effective because it reacts with the alkaline substances, reducing their corrosivity and making the cleanup safer. This method is preferred over the other options, as they do not provide the necessary acidic component required for neutralization or may even produce harmful reactions that could exacerbate the situation. For instance, mixing bleach with any substance can lead to the release of toxic gases, and salt water or soda may not effectively neutralize alkali in the same way that the combination of vinegar and water does.